Uranium in Framboidal Pyrite from a Naturally Bioreduced Alluvial Sediment
Samples of a naturally bioreduced, U contaminated aquifer sediment from Rifle, CO were characterized with various microscopic and spectroscopic techniques and wet chemical extraction methods. The objective was to investigate U association and interaction with the soil minerals of the sediment. The naturally bioreduced sediment was elevated in solid-phase U, total organic carbon and acid-volatile sulfide, and depleted in bioavailable Fe(III) indicating that sulfate and Fe(III) reduction have occurred naturally in the sediment. XRD and SEM/EDS analyses demonstrated that framboidal pyrites (FeS2) of different sizes (~10 – 20 μm in diameter), and of various microcrystal morphology, degree of surface weathering and internal porosity were abundant in the < 53 μm fraction (silt+clay) of the sediment. EMP, XRF, EXAFS, and XANES measurements confirmed that U interacted mostly with framboidal pyrite and that both U(VI) and U(IV) were associated with the framboids indicating partial reduction of surface bounded U(VI). Results demonstrated that U(VI) may be sorbed and reduced on framboidal pyrite, and both sorption and reduction were important pathways of U(VI) attenuation in this naturally bioreduced sediment. A fuller understanding of U(VI) fate in this unique system could help in developing remedial measures for other U contaminated aquifers.
- Research Organization:
- Pacific Northwest National Lab. (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States). Environmental Molecular Sciences Lab. (EMSL)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC05-76RL01830
- OSTI ID:
- 970363
- Report Number(s):
- PNNL-SA-65650; 34002; KP1702030; TRN: US201003%%526
- Journal Information:
- Environmental Science & Technology, 43(22):8528-8534, Vol. 43, Issue 22
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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