Chemistry of Uranium Colloids in Groundwater Environment

Abstract

The formation of uranium oxide colloids and the adsorption of uranium (VI) ions on hematite particles are being studied to assess the importance of colloids as carriers of radioactivity from a nuclear waste vault. Work on uranium adsorption involves assessing the effects of pH, humic acid and bicarbonate concentrations on the uptake of uranium by hematite. Direct uranium colloid formation resulting from reduction of uranium (VI) ions in aqueous solution has also been studied as a function of temperature, pH, bicarbonate and sodium chloride concentrations.