Assessment of trace ground-water contaminants release from south Texas in-situ uranium solution-mining sites
The future of uranium solution mining in south Texas depends heavily on the industry's ability to restore production zone ground water to acceptable standards. This study investigated the extent of trace contaminant solubilization during mining and subsequent restoration attempts, first through a literature search centered on uranium control mechanisms, and then by laboratory experiments simulating the mining process. The literature search indicated the complexity of the situation. The number of possible interactions between indigenous elements and materials pointed on the site specificity of the problem. The column studies evaluated three different production area ores. Uranium, molybdenum, arsenic, vanadium, and selenium were analyzed in column effluents. After simulated mining operations were completed, uranium was found to be the most persistent trace element. However, subsequent ground water flushing of the columns could restore in-situ water to EPA recommended drinking water concentrations. Limited data indicated that ground water flowing through mined areas may solubilize molybdenum present in down gradient areas adjacent to the production zone due to increased oxidation potential of ground water if adequate restoration procedures are not followed.
- Research Organization:
- Texas Univ., Austin (USA). Center for Research in Water Resources
- OSTI ID:
- 6409571
- Report Number(s):
- CRWR-179; ON: DE83901426
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
METALS
SOLUBILITY
SOLUTION MINING
WATER POLLUTION
URANIUM MINES
WATER POLLUTION CONTROL
ARSENIC
GROUND WATER
MOLYBDENUM
SELENIUM
TEXAS
TRACE AMOUNTS
URANIUM ORES
VANADIUM
CONTROL
ELEMENTS
FEDERAL REGION VI
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
MINES
MINING
NORTH AMERICA
ORES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
POLLUTION
POLLUTION CONTROL
SEMIMETALS
TRANSITION ELEMENTS
UNDERGROUND FACILITIES
USA
WATER
053000* - Nuclear Fuels- Environmental Aspects
520200 - Environment
Aquatic- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport- (-1989)