Abstract
The oxidation states of uranium contained in depleted uranium (DU) particles were determined by synchrotron radiation based μ-XANES, applied to individual particles in soil samples collected at Ceja Mountain, Kosovo. Based on scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with XRMA prior to μ-XANES, DU particles ranging from submicrons to about 30 μm (average size: 2 μm or less) were identified. Compared to well-defined standards, all investigated DU particles were oxidized. About 50% of the DU particles were characterized as UO 2, the remaining DU particles present were U 3O 8 or a mixture of oxidized forms (ca. 2/3 UO 2, 1/3 U 3O 8). Since the particle weathering rate is expected to be higher for U 3O 8 than for UO 2, the presence of respiratory U 3O 8 and UO 2 particles, their corresponding weathering rates and subsequent remobilisation of U from DU particles should be included in the environmental or health impact assessments.
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.
