Abstract
The chemical state of rare earth elements (REEs) in groundwater was determined by a combination of ultrafiltration techniques maintaining in–situ pressures and anaerobic conditions, speciation considering contribution of natural organic matter, and fingerprinting using REE patterns of the stability constants for probable complexes of REEs in groundwater. Groundwater samples were collected from a horizontal borehole at a depth of 200 mbGL (meter below ground level) in the Mizunami Underground Research Laboratory (MIU), Gifu, Japan. Spectroscopic analysis for colloidal matter on a membrane filter was also conducted to estimate chemical properties of colloidal ligands. Results of this study suggest that REEs–humic complexes are the dominant chemical states of REEs in this groundwater. The presence of humic substances in groundwater was also confirmed by spectroscopic analysis. Thus, it is expected that chemical behavior of REEs mainly is dependent on humic substances. The information of chemical state of REEs is useful for prediction of behavior of trivalent actinides in groundwater.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
