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IN SITU URANIUM STABILIZATION BY MICROBIAL METABOLITES

Journal Article · · Journal of Environmental Radioactivity
OSTI ID:896529
Soil contaminated with U was the focus of this study in order to develop in-situ, U bio-immobilization technology. We have demonstrated microbial production of a metal chelating biopolymer, pyomelanin, in U contaminated soil from the Tims Branch area of the Department of Energy (DOE) Savannah River Site (SRS) as a result of tyrosine amendments. Bacterial densities of pyomelanin producers were >106 cells/g wet soil. Pyomelanin demonstrated U chelating and mineral binding capacities at pH 4 and 7. In laboratory studies, in the presence of goethite or illite, pyomelanin enhanced U sequestration by these minerals. Tyrosine amended soils in field tests demonstrated increased U sequestration capacity following pyomelanin production up to 13 months after tyrosine treatments.
Research Organization:
SRS
Sponsoring Organization:
DOE
DOE Contract Number:
AC09-96SR18500
OSTI ID:
896529
Report Number(s):
WSRC-STI-2006-00322
Journal Information:
Journal of Environmental Radioactivity, Journal Name: Journal of Environmental Radioactivity; ISSN 0265-931X; ISSN JERAEE
Publisher:
pubinfo
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English