Partitioning of natural radionuclides in sediments around a former uranium mine and mill

Partitioning of natural radionuclides in sediments from streams affected by the waste piles of the former uranium mine and mill located at ?irovski vrh, Slovenia, was performed by applying a sequential extraction procedure. The sediments were collected at three sites located upstream and three sites located downstream of the waste piles. Then the four-step Community Bureau of Reference (BCR) sequential extraction protocol was applied to the samples and the natural radionuclides ²³⁸U, ²³⁰Th, ²²⁶Ra, ²¹⁰Pb and ²¹⁰Po were analysed in each extraction fraction. It was expected that the fractionation of natural radionuclides originating from the waste piles would differ from that upstream of the influence of waste piles because their chemical environment had been altered during the processes of uranium extraction. This difference could allow tracing of the radionuclides coming from the waste piles downstream of the affected watercourses. The results definitely showed that the total activity concentrations at sites downstream of the influence of the waste piles were higher than at sites upstream of the piles. However, this difference was geographically very limited and could no longer be detected already at a distance of about 5 km downstream. Unexpectedly, the fractionation of radionuclides upstream and downstream of the area of influence of the waste piles did not appear to be significantly altered. The sole differences found were for ²³⁸U and ²²⁶Ra in the second fraction (the “Fe/Mn oxides” fraction) and for ²¹⁰Po in the fourth fraction (the “residue” fraction) of the BCR sequential extraction protocol.     

Natural radioactivity around former uranium mine,Gabrovnica in Eastern Serbia

Gabrovnica near Kalna village was the first uranium mine established in Yugoslavia. In 1963, the Nuclear Energy Commission began operating the mine and mill. Between 1964 and 1966, the staff at Kalna extracted and produced an estimated 900 kg of UO₂ and 400 kg of uranium metal. The Kalna ore was of poor quality, containing very low uranium content, which required higher-cost mining and refining methods. That was the main reason for closing this mine. This paper presents results obtained by measuring the activity concentration of soil samples measured by gamma spectrometry and also indoor ²²²Rn activity concentrations in houses in the nearby village Kalna. There is a presence of elevated radioactivity levels in the most of the measured samples. The mine was never officially decommissioned. The results obtained might be useful for the future decommissioning procedure.     

Estimation of distribution coefficient of uranium around a uranium mining site

Distribution coefficient (K _d) of uranium and its daughter products are very important for migration study around uranium mining sites. Since the distribution coefficient depends very much on the soil and groundwater chemistry, generation of site specific K _d is very important. In the literature there is a large variation of K _d values of uranium. For realistic prediction of contaminant migration, literature K _d value is not very effective. So site specific experimental K _d values are required. The present study emphasizes on the estimation of site specific distribution coefficient for uranium around a uranium mining site. The soil and groundwater parameters which affect the K _d value of uranium have also been estimated. Soil and groundwater samples from nine locations around Turamdih uranium mining site were collected and chemically characterized for various parameters. The distribution coefficient of uranium in top and one meter depth soil samples from above locations were estimated using laboratory batch method. The distribution coefficient of uranium varies from 69 ± 4 to 5524 ± 285 l/kg. No significant difference in uranium K _d values was observed for top and one meter depth soil samples. In the top and one meter depth soil samples uranium K _d values vary from 129 ± 8 to 5524 ± 285 and 69 ± 4 to 3862 ± 195 l/kg respectively. For the estimation of distribution coefficient of uranium different parameters like equilibration time, solid to solution ratio, method of tracer addition to solution, solid-solution separation method etc. have been optimized. The distribution coefficient of uranium determined in the present study will be used for the migration study of uranium around uranium mining sites.     

Assessment of natural uranium and 226Ra concentration in ground water around the uranium mine at Narwapahar, Jharkhand, India and its radiological significance

A brief study on dissolved radionuclides in aquatic environment, especially in ground water, constitutes the key aspect for assessment and control of natural exposure. In the present study the distribution of natural uranium and ²²⁶Ra concentration were measured in ground water samples collected within a 10 km radius around the Narwapahar uranium mine in the Singhbhum thrust belt of Jharkhand, India in 2007–2008. The natural uranium content in the ground water samples in this region was found to vary from 0.1 to 3.75 μg L^?1 with an average of 0.87 ± 0.73 μg L^?1 and ²²⁶Ra concentration was found to vary from 5.2 to 38.1 mBq L^?1 with an average of 13.73 ± 7.34 mBq L^?1. The mean annual ingestion dose due to intake of natural uranium and ²²⁶Ra through drinking water pathway to male and female adults population was estimated to be 6.55 and 4.78 μSv y^?1, respectively, which constitutes merely a small fraction of the reference dose level of 100 μSv y^?1 as recommended by WHO.     

Assessment of inhalation exposure potential of broken uranium ore piles in low-grade uranium mine

This paper presents the assessment of inhalation exposure potential of broken uranium ore piles in different stopes of Jaduguda uranium mines of India. ²²²Rn emanation coefficient of broken uranium ore was measured in laboratory by collecting air sample from airtight glass jar containing ore sample. An attempt was also made to correlate the emanation coefficient with ²²⁶Ra content of the ore. The ²²²Rn progeny doses estimated based on radon activity concentration of broken ore, occupancy period and equilibrium ratio in different stopes were well below the prescribed limit of International Commission on Radiological Protection. The maximum ²²²Rn progeny dose contribution from broken ore piles was worked out to be 0.22 mSv year^?1. This suggests that the broken ore piles are not the significant contributor of inhalation exposure under the existing ventilation condition of Jaduguda uranium mine.     

Radioactive contamination of the environment as a result of uranium production: a case study at the abandoned Lincang uranium mine,Yunnan Province,China

The distribution of radioactive pollutants, such as²²²Rn, U, Th and²²⁶Ra in the air, surface waters, soils and crops around the Lincang uranium mine, Yunnan Province, China, is studied. The mechanical, geochemical and biogeochemical processes responsible for the transport and fate of the radioactive elements are discussed based on the monitoring data. The pollutants concentrations of effluents from the mine tunnels were dependent on pH and which were controlled by biochemical oxidation of sulfide in the ore/host rocks. Radon anomalies in air reached 4 km from the tailings pile depending on radon release from the site, topography and climate.²³⁸U and²²⁶Ra abnormities in stream sediments and soil were 40—90 cm deep and 790—800 m away downstream. Anomalies of radioactive contaminants of surface watercourses extended 7.5—13 km from the discharge of effluents of the site mainly depending on mechanical and chemical processes. There were about 2.86 ha rice fields and 1.59 km stream sediments contaminated. Erosion of tailings and mining debris with little or no containment or control accelerated the contamination processes.     

Radioactive contamination of the environment as a result of uranium production: a case study at the abandoned Lincang uranium mine,Yunnan Province,China

The distribution of radioactive pollutants, such as²²²Rn, U, Th and²²⁶Ra in the air, surface waters, soils and crops around the Lincang uranium mine, Yunnan Province, China, is studied. The mechanical, geochemical and biogeochemical processes responsible for the transport and fate of the radioactive elements are discussed based on the monitoring data. The pollutants concentrations of effluents from the mine tunnels were dependent on pH and which were controlled by biochemical oxidation of sulfide in the ore/host rocks. Radon anomalies in air reached 4 km from the tailings pile depending on radon release from the site, topography and climate.²³⁸U and²²⁶Ra abnormities in stream sediments and soil were 40—90 cm deep and 790—800 m away downstream. Anomalies of radioactive contaminants of surface watercourses extended 7.5—13 km from the discharge of effluents of the site mainly depending on mechanical and chemical processes. There were about 2.86 ha rice fields and 1.59 km stream sediments contaminated. Erosion of tailings and mining debris with little or no containment or control accelerated the contamination processes.

     

Radioactive contamination of the environment as a result of uranium production: a case study at the abandoned Lincang uranium mine, Yunnan Province, China

The distribution of radioactive pollutants, such as ~(222)Rn, U, Th and ~(226)Ra in the air, sur-face waters, soils and crops around the Lincang uranium mine, Yunnan Province, China, is studiedThe mechanical, geochemical and biogeochemical processes responsible for the transport andfate of the radioactive elements are discussed based on the monitoring data. The pollutants con-centrations of effluents from the mine tunnels were dependent on pH and SO_4~(2-) which were con-trolled by biochemical oxidation of sulfide in the ore/host rocks. Radon anomalies in air reached 4km from the tailings pile depending on radon release from the site, topography and climate. ~(238)Uand ~(226)Ra abnormities in stream sediments and soil were 40-90 cm deep and 790-800 m awaydownstream. Anomalies of radioactive contaminants of surface watercourses extended 7.5-13km from the discharge of effluents of the site mainly depending on mechanical and chemical proc-esses. There were about 2.86 ha rice fields and 1.59 km stream sediments contaminated. Erosionof tailings and mining debris with little or no containment or control accelerated the contaminationprocesses.     

Evaluation of the natural radioactivity in food and soil around uranium mining region

Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry - To evaluate the radiological risk to human health associated with the ingestion of radionuclides in foods, some different plant foods cultivated...     

Estimation of distribution coefficient of polonium in geological matrices around uranium mining site

In case of ground (groundwater) contamination or contaminants release from the disposal modules (facilities) to the geo-environment, the fate of contaminant transport is mainly governed by the parameter called distribution (partition) coefficient, K _d. It is a measure of sorption of contaminants to soils. For that the sorption of polonium in soil were carried out using laboratory batch method in different soil samples collected from different places around Turamdih uranium mining site. The kinetics of polonium sorption were also carried out at different time intervals which clearly indicates that sorption equilibrium for polonium achieved at around 72 h. The K _d for polonium varies from 1,443 to 7,501.3 L/kg in soil samples. Chemical characterization of soil and ground water samples were carried out to know the effect of various chemical parameters with distribution coefficient of polonium.     

Pollution characteristics and risk assessment of uranium and heavy metals of agricultural soil around the uranium tailing reservoir in Southern China

For the first time the pollution of the paddy soil within 2 km around the uranium tailing reservoir was investigated. The concentrations of U, Cd, Cr, Pb, Cu, Zn, Hg and As were determined by ICP-MS. The study showed that there was severe pollution in the first area (within 0–1 km of the tailing reservoir), which was caused by Cd, As, U and Hg. The pollution level of the second area (within 1–2 km) was relatively low. Hg and As were the main pollutants. In the first area, the contamination degree and risk of elements were positively correlated with the distance from the tailing reservoir. The second area was less polluted and influenced by mining and human activities because of mountain barriers.     

Radioanalytical assessment of environmental contamination around non-remediated uranium mining legacy site and radium mobility

During the past century extensive uranium mining took place in Portugal for radium and uranium production. One such uranium mine was the Boco Mine, in operation during the 1960s and 70s. Mining waste and open pits were left uncovered since mine closure. During the nineties a quarry for sand extraction was operated in the same site and water from a local stream was extensively used in sand sieving. Downstream the mine area, agriculture soil is used for cattle grazing. Water from the stream, water wells, soil, pasture and sheep meat were now analyzed for radionuclides of uranium natural series. The U-series radionuclide ²²⁶Ra was generally the highest in concentrations especially in soil, pasture, and in internal organs of sheep. ²²⁶Ra concentrations were 1,093 ± 96 Bq/kg (dry weight, dw) in soil, 43 ± 3 Bq/kg (dw) in pasture, and 193 ± 84 mBq/kg (wet weight, ww) in muscle tissue of sheep. Other sheep internal organs displayed much higher ²²⁶Ra concentrations, such as the brain and kidneys with 1,850 ± 613 mBq/kg (ww) and 6,043 ± 6,023 mBq/kg (ww), respectively. Results of analyses of tissue samples from sheep grown in a comparison area were 2 to 16 times lower, depending on the organ. Absorbed radiation doses for internal organs were computed and may exceed 5.2 mGy/y in the case of kidneys, near three times higher than in animals from the reference area, but below the threshold for biological effects. Radionuclide transfer in the terrestrial food chain and radiation exposure of the human population is discussed.     

Analyses of radionuclides in soil,water, and agriculture products near the Urgeiriça uranium mine in Portugal

Analyses of soils, irrigation waters, agriculture products (lettuce), green pasture, and cheese were performed in samples collected in the area of the old Urgeiriça uranium mine and milling facilities, Centre-North of Portugal, in order to assess the transfer of uranium series radionuclides in the environment and to man. Soils close to milling tailings display an enhancement of radioactivity. In the drainage basin of the stream Ribeira da Pantanha, receiving drainage from the tailings piles and discharges from the acid mine water treatment plant, there was enhancement of uranium series radionuclide concentrations in water and suspended matter. Agriculture products from kitchen gardens irrigated with water from the Ribeira da Pantanha show an increase of radioactivity, mainly due to uranium isotopes. Agriculture products from other kitchen gardens in this area, irrigated with groundwater, as well pasture and cheese produced locally from sheep milk did not show enhanced radionuclide concentrations. In the Urgeiriça area, some soils display radionuclide concentrations higher than soils in reference areas and, in agriculture products grown there, ²²⁶Ra was the radionuclide more concentrated by vegetables. Through ingestion of these products ²²⁶Ra may be the main contributor to the increment of radiation dose received by local population.     

Spatial variability and radiation assessment of the radionuclides in soils and sediments around a uranium tailings reservoir,south of China

Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry - The concentrations of 238U, 226Ra, 232Th and 40K and gross α, β were measured in soils and sediments around a uranium tailings reservoir...     

Weak acid leaching of uranium ore from a high carbonate uranium deposit

Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry - Mineralogical study showed that the Yuejin uranium ore is from a low grade, high carbonate and high pyrite sandstone type uranium deposit. Uranium...     

Determination of uranium concentration in urine of workers in an Iraqi phosphate mine and fertilizer plants

Precise determination of uranium concentration in human urine is quite important in assessment of occupational and public exposure to uranium. In the present work, a pulsed dye nitrogen laser-induced kinetic phosphorescence analysis (KPA) was used to determine uranium in urine of Iraqi phosphate mine and fertilizer plant workers and in the population living near the mining region. A total of 92 urine samples were collected from workers of the Akashat phosphate mine, the Al-Qaim fertilizer complex, and the Akashat residential region. Uranium concentration in urine of all samples ranged between 0.49 to 5.26 μg L^?1 with a total average of 1.47 ± 0.01 μg L^?1. For comparison, all samples were also analyzed using a completely different technique; the nuclear fission track analysis using CR-39 SSNTD. Both techniques were capable of such measurements, although not with an equal degree of uncertainty. KPA technique is found to be more suitable for analysis of urine samples having high concentrations of uranium.