Uranium retention on iron oxyhydroxides in post-mining environmental conditions

Investigating uranium migration mechanisms related to the weathering of waste rocks is essential for developing strategies that can address potential environmental issues caused by mining. This work based on samples containing 2 L ferrihydrite, lepidocrocite and goethite collected in technosols from granitic rock piles, mine drainage conduits waters. The results show important role iron oxyhydroxide U immobilization re-concentration. EXAFS spectroscopy combined with mineralogical geochemical studies (Scanning electronic microscopy, Wavelength-dispersive X-ray microprobe, inductively coupled plasma - optical emission spectrometry/mass spectrometry diffraction) allowed identification uranyl ternary surface complexes at ferrihydrite were either composed phosphate groups or organic matter. Moreover, also identified as a secondary trap immobilization. U(VI) known be mobile oxidizing conditions. study highlights control mobility various oxyhydroxides supergene