Speaker: José M. Cerrato
When: Friday, March 7th at 11:00am
Where: KH A445 (Lincoln), PKI 160 (Omaha)
Title: Transport and remediation of metal mixtures in uranium mine wastes in tribal land
Abstract: The transport and potential remediation approaches for metal mixtures in uranium(U) mine wastes from sites located in tribal land in the Southwestern US was investigated by integrating
laboratory experiments, microscopy, and spectroscopy. Metal
release from these mine wastes could pose potential health risks for neighboring communities. Spectroscopy analyses suggest that Uvanadium(V) and U-organic-rich phases are present in abandoned mine wastes; the dissolution of these phases is relevant to U, arsenic(As), and V transport. Remediation approaches for mixtures of U and As using naturally occurring calcium(Ca)-bearing minerals is currently being researched for the immobilization of these metal mixtures. Additionally, Ca in carbonate water at circumneutral pH facilitates the transport of U in plant roots which could be useful for metal uptake. These results are relevant for U transport and remediation in the proximity of mine wastes and mineralized deposits.