Uranium and Its Distribution in Typical Belarusian Soils

Abstract

The background levels of uranium content in the soil cover of different regions of Belarus are determined. Experimental data on the uranium content in the samples of (0–20)-cm layers of different varieties of sod-podzolic, sod, and peat-bog soils are presented. From analysis of the experimental data obtained, it follows that the uranium content increases in the series of soils “sandy-sandy loamy-loamy-clayey” as the content of fraction with the size of soil particles less than 10 μm increases. Natural background concentrations of uranium in the environment differ between various regions of the country. In accordance with the structure of the soil cover, there is an increased content of uranium in the northern region of Belarus with a higher proportion of loamy and clayey soils than in the southern region where sandy and sandy loam soils occupy a significant part of the territory. Experimental data on the uranium content in the soil interstitial (pore) water extracted from water-saturated soil samples by the method of high-speed centrifugation are presented. A close direct relationship was found between the portions of uranium and organic components in the soil interstitial solutions of their total content in mineral soil samples. The coefficients of uranium distribution between a solid phase and interstitial solution of soils of different types were estimated. For individual varieties of soils, it has been established how the uranium reserve in a mobile (conditionally biologically available) form changes with a change in the temperature and humidity of the soil.