Investigation of solubilization of plutonium and americium in soil by natural humic compounds

Abstract

An investigation was conducted under simulated natural conditions to determine the solubilization of plutonium and americium in contaminated soil by humic compounds. The results indicate that the solubilization of plutonium and americium by fulvic acid--the more soluble humic compound--is slight. In no instance did the plutonium and americium concentrations in solution approach the drinking water limits. What little solubilization that occurs is probably due to complex formation and/or colloid peptization. The resulting solutions are unstable, and over a period of a few days, most of the plutonium and americium precipitate, either as a result of colloid coagulation or hydrolysis. Two other factors appear to limit the solubilization of these elements: only a relatively small fraction of the plutonium and americium seems to be readily soluble, and there is apparently a low saturation value for these elements in both water and fulvic acid solution.