Influence of microorganisms on uranium release from mining-impacted lake sediments under various oxygenation conditions†
Marina Seder-Colomina,Arnaud Mangeret,Pascale Bauda,Jessica Brest,Pauline Merrot,Anthony Julien,Olivier Diez,Evelyne Barker,Elise Billoir,Pascal Poupin,Antoine Thouvenot,Charlotte Cazala,Guillaume Morin
Environmental Science: Processes & Impacts Pub Date : 07/27/2022 00:00:00 , DOI:10.1039/D2EM00104G
Abstract

Microbial processes can be involved in the remobilization of uranium (U) from reduced sediments under O2 reoxidation events such as water table fluctuations. Such reactions could be typically encountered after U-bearing sediment dredging operations. Solid U(IV) species may thus reoxidize into U(VI) that can be released in pore waters in the form of aqueous complexes with organic and inorganic ligands. Non-uraninite U(IV) species may be especially sensitive to reoxidation and remobilization processes. Nevertheless, little is known regarding the effect of microbially mediated processes on the behaviour of U under these conditions.

Graphical abstract: Influence of microorganisms on uranium release from mining-impacted lake sediments under various oxygenation conditions