Mobility and bioavailability of uranium mill tailings contaminants

• Published in: Environmental science & technology Vol. 16; no. 10; pp. 702 - 709
• Main Authors: Dreesen, David R, Williams, Joel M, Marple, M. Lynn, Gladney, Ernest S, Perrin, Daniel R
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: American Chemical Society 01.10.1982
• ISSN: 0013-936X; 1520-5851
• DOI: 10.1021/es00104a013

An evaluation of environmental transport and contamination resulting from the release of trace elements and radionuclides from uranium mill tailings was performed by utilizing both laboratory and field studies. The composition of tailings showed the enrichment of a suite of uranium analogue elements (As, Mo, Se, and V) as well as the frequent occurrence of heavy metals generally associated with sulfide minerals (Co, Cu, Ni, and Pb). Aqueous leaching of alkaline tailings mobilized base labile (anionic) species As, Mo, Se, and U, whereas acid tailings leachates contained appreciable Co and Ni.