PNNL

Abstract

Naturally bioreduced zones with considerable sorbed U were recently identified at a former U mining and processing site at Rifle, CO, USA. Most of the sorbed U appears to be associated with Fe minerals. Variably reduced sediment samples were analyzed by suite of techniques, primarily by room temperature Mössbauer spectroscopy. Fe-oxides of different types and crystallinity, and Fe(II)/Fe(III)-containing clays are dominant in all the sediments. The amounts of poorly crystalline Fe(III)-oxide, however, was lower in the reduced samples. In addition, framboidal pyrites with sorbed U were common in the highly reduced sediments. Overall, the information gained from this work may help develop design field strategies for immobilization and stabilization of U(VI) in contaminated subsurface environments.