Uranium Concentration Research Articles

Presence, distribution, and origin of radioisotopes in rock, soil, and groundwater in Central Mexico: implications of ionizing radiation for health.

Presence, distribution, and origin of radioisotopes in rock, soil, and groundwater in Central Mexico: implications of ionizing radiation for health.

Health risk implications due to uranium content in drinking water sources from the tectonically active zone of Garhwal Himalaya, India.

Health risk implications due to uranium content in drinking water sources from the tectonically active zone of Garhwal Himalaya, India.

Characterization and optimized upgrading for kasolite in the mineralized lamprophyre dyke, Abu Rusheid Area, Southern Eastern Desert, Egypt

ABSTRACT Uranium is a critical resource for Egypt’s nuclear energy ambitions and its Vision 2030 clean energy goals. While conventional chemical leaching has dominated uranium extraction, its environmental drawbacks and inefficiency in processing low-grade, high-tonnage deposits underscore the need for sustainable alternatives. This study addresses this gap by exploring physical beneficiation techniques as an eco-friendly and efficient approach to upgrading uranium from complex deposits, a strategy that remains underexplored compared to chemical methods. Focusing on the lamprophyre dykes of Abu Rusheid – hosting an average uranium concentration of ~ 1253 ppm (1008–1530 ppm) primarily in kasolite (~0.3 wt.%) alongside fluorite and Cu-Zn-Pb-Mn mineralization – we employed advanced mineralogical characterization (XRD, SEM, XRF, FTIR) to guide selective beneficiation. The novelty of this work lies in the systematic integration of gravity and magnetic separation, demonstrating their combined potential for uranium recovery with minimal environmental impact. Shaking table concentration increased uranium grades from 414 ppm eU (feed) to 3259 ppm eU (concentrate) in the −500 + 53 µm fraction, while centrifugal processing enriched slimes (less than 53 µm) from 1752 ppm eU to 8748 ppm eU. Overall, these methods elevated uranium content from 1106 ppm eU (~0.3% kasolite) to 8641 ppm eU (~2.13% kasolite) at a 9.56% yield and 68.36% recovery. High-intensity magnetic separation further refined the concentrate to a 1.7% yield, highlighting its precision. These results establish a technically viable and environmentally responsible pathway for uranium extraction from low-grade deposits, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional leaching methods.

A Novel Uranium Quantification Method Based on Natural γ-Ray Total Logging Corrected by Prompt Neutron Time Spectrum

The drilling core sampling and chemical analysis method for the quantitative determination of solid mineral deposits has several drawbacks, including a low core drilling efficiency, a high core sampling cost, and a long chemical analysis cycle. In current uranium quantification practices, advanced techniques have been developed to preliminarily determine the formation of uranium content based on the interpretation results of natural γ-ray total logging. However, such methods still require supplementary core chemical analysis to derive the uranium–radium–radon balance coefficient, which is then used for equilibrium correction to obtain the true uranium content within the uranium-bearing layer. Furthermore, conventional prompt neutron time spectrum logging is constrained by low count rates, resulting in slow logging speeds that fail to meet the demands of practical engineering applications. To address this, this study proposes a uranium quantification method that corrects the natural γ-ray total logging using prompt neutron time spectrum logging. Additionally, a calibration parameter determination method necessary for quantitative interpretation is constructed. Experimental results from standardized model wells indicate that, in sandstone-type uranium deposits, the absolute error of uranium content is within ±0.002%eU, and the relative error is within ±2.5%. These findings validate the feasibility of deriving the uranium–radium–radon balance coefficient without relying on core chemical analysis. Compared with the prompt neutron time spectrum logging method, the proposed approach significantly improves the logging speed while producing results that are essentially consistent with those of natural γ-ray total logging. It provides an efficient and accurate solution for uranium quantitative interpretation.

Uranium and Radon Concentration in Soil Samples for the Gas-Fired Power Plant in Babil Governorate - Iraq

Uranium and Radon Concentration in Soil Samples for the Gas-Fired Power Plant in Babil Governorate - Iraq

Detection of contamination with the element uranium U92 in some soils in the Samawah Desert (AL-Muthanna Governorate)

The study was conducted on a part of the Samawah desert soil located in the southern part of AL-Muthanna Governorate, with the aim of studying the distribution status of contamination with uranium, focusing on its environmental and health impacts, and to analyze uranium concentrations in soil samples. It started reviews the methods of soil pollution in general, addressing how uranium enters the environment due to human activities such as mining and the use of depleted uranium, in addition to the geological factors that affect the concentration of uranium in the soil. Samples were collected from different locations in the region, and the results showed variations in uranium concentrations between samples. Uranium concentrations ranged between 0.00003% and 0.00279%, with some samples, such as the sample, exceedingS31 registered (27.9 ppm) parts per million), which far exceeds the expected natural limits for uranium concentrations in soil. And when comparing results with global environmental standards, such as those set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) found that many samples exceeded normal levels, indicating environmental contamination. In particular, samples containing elevated uranium concentrations are indicative of an unnatural source of contamination, such as industrial waste or military activities. That The potential environmental and health impacts of this contamination include contamination of groundwater and surface water, which can cause serious health problems such as kidney damage when contaminated water is consumed. Exposure to uranium in soil can also negatively impact plants and crops, potentially leading to reduced agricultural productivity.

Geochemical Controls on Radon Mobility in Soils: Implications for Environmental Risk Assessments

Background: Radon-222 (²²²Rn) is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that poses a significant health hazard when it accumulates indoors. While traditional models emphasize uranium content, emerging evidence suggests that soil geochemistry plays a critical role in radon mobility. Objective: This review aims to clarify how specific geochemical properties influence radon behavior in soils and to highlight implications for risk assessment and mitigation strategies. Methods: Analysis of recent peer-reviewed studies was conducted, focusing on soils affected by contaminants such as arsenic, iron and lead. The review identifies dominant mechanistic pathways and synthesizes findings across diverse geographic and environmental contexts. Results: The findings indicate that soil radon flux is shaped by three principal mechanisms: (1) adsorption–desorption interactions involving iron oxides and organic matter; (2) changes in soil structure and permeability mediated by redox conditions; and (3) synergistic effects in multi-contaminant environments. Studies also highlight threshold responses to pH (particularly within the pH range of 4 to 8), organic matter content, and moisture saturation. In some cases, radon levels were elevated even when uranium concentrations were low, underscoring the influence of chemical modifiers. Conclusion: Radon risk assessment frameworks should move beyond uranium-focused models to incorporate geochemical complexity. Factoring in redox conditions, co-contaminants, and sorptive properties can improve hazard prediction and inform targeted remediation strategies.

Association of Urinary Cadmium and Antimony with Osteoporosis Risk in Postmenopausal Brazilian Women: Insights from a 20 Metal(loid) Biomonitoring Study

Osteoporosis is a major public health concern, particularly among postmenopausal women. Environmental exposure to metals has been proposed as a potential contributor to osteoporosis, but human data remain limited and inconsistent. This study investigated changes in urinary concentrations of 20 metal(loid)s in patients with osteoporosis, as well as the association of these elements with bone mineral density (BMD), in a cohort of 380 postmenopausal women aged 50–70 years from Cascavel, Paraná, Brazil. Demographic, lifestyle, and clinical data were collected, and urinary concentrations of aluminum (Al), barium (Ba), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), cesium (Cs), copper (Cu), mercury (Hg), lithium (Li), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), rubidium (Rb), antimony (Sb), selenium (Se), tin (Sn), strontium (Sr), thallium (Tl), uranium (U), and zinc (Zn) were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. BMD was assessed at the lumbar spine, femoral neck, and total hip using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Osteoporosis was diagnosed in 73 participants (19.2%). Osteoporotic women had significantly higher urinary concentrations of Cd, Mn, Pb, Sb, Sn, and Zn (p < 0.05). Statistically significant negative correlations were observed between BMD and urinary concentrations of Al, Cd, Hg, Mn, Sb, and U. After adjustment for confounders, elevated urinary concentrations of Cd, Mn, Pb, and Sb remained independently and significantly associated with higher odds of osteoporosis, with Cd (aOR = 1.495; p = 0.026) and Sb (aOR = 2.059; p = 0.030) showing the strongest associations. In addition, women with urinary concentrations above the 90th percentile for both Cd and Sb had a significantly higher prevalence of osteoporosis compared to those with lower levels (44.4% vs. 18.0%; p = 0.011). Longitudinal studies are needed to confirm causality and inform prevention strategies.

Complete genome of Chryseobacterium sp. strain PMSZPI isolated from the subsurface soil of a uranium ore deposit.

Chryseobacterium sp. strain PMSZPI belongs to the phylum Bacteroidota and was isolated from the subsurface soil of a uranium ore deposit. This strain is noteworthy for its tolerance to high concentrations of uranium and other heavy metals, as well as its ability for uranium detoxification. We present here the 4.74 Mb complete genome of PMSZPI to gain insights into its adaptation and survival strategies in soil enriched with uranium and other heavy metals.

Exposures to drinking water contaminants in community water systems and risk of ovarian cancer in the California Teachers Study cohort.

Several drinking water contaminants are known or suspected carcinogens; however, there are only a few investigations of drinking water exposures and ovarian cancer. We evaluated associations between regulated contaminants in community water systems (CWS) and ovarian cancer risk in the California Teachers Study, a prospective cohort of female California educators. Participants were cancer-free, without bilateral oophorectomy, living in California at baseline (1995-1996) with geocoded addresses linked to a CWS (N=91,127, 92%), with follow-up through 2020 (mean=19.0 years). Among participants with a residential duration at enrollment of at least 10 years, we computed 15-year (1990-2005) averages of log2-transformed arsenic, nitrate, total trihalomethanes (TTHM) (N=59,881), and uranium concentrations (N=56,314). We estimated hazard ratios (HRs, 95% CIs) for all epithelial ovarian cancers (n=424) and the high-grade serous histotype (n=203), using Cox proportional hazards regression, adjusting for age, body mass index, menopause status, oral contraceptive use, and parity. We evaluated the mixture effect (per IQR in log2 concentrations), using quantile-based g-computation. Almost all women (>99%) had average exposures below regulatory limits for all contaminants. In single contaminant analyses, a doubling in average uranium concentrations was associated with all ovarian cancer (HRperlog2=1.09, CI 1.02-1.16), whereas a doubling in nitrate was associated with the high-grade serous histotype (HRperlog2=1.09, CI 1.02-1.17). Findings were similar in models adjusted for other contaminants. We observed positive but imprecise associations for arsenic and TTHM in single-contaminant and contaminant-adjusted analyses. HRs per increase in the mixture were 1.39 (1.00, 1.94) and 1.75 (1.09, 2.83), for all ovarian cancer and the high-grade serous histotype, respectively. Uranium was the largest contributor (55%) to the mixture effect for all ovarian cancer, and nitrate was the largest contributor (46%) for the high-grade serous histotype. Novel associations between drinking water contaminants and ovarian cancer risk at levels below regulatory limits warrant further investigation. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP16582.

Study of radiation exposure to radon in groundwater using scintillation-based RnDuo technique: A statistical analysis for risk assessment.

Study of radiation exposure to radon in groundwater using scintillation-based RnDuo technique: A statistical analysis for risk assessment.

Treatment of low-concentration uranium-containing wastewater utilizing Scenedesmus sp. with an emphasis on response surface methodology.

Treatment of low-concentration uranium-containing wastewater utilizing Scenedesmus sp. with an emphasis on response surface methodology.

The relationship of Cadmium, Lead, and Uranium with the geographical location of non-smoking Thalassemia individuals: A comparative study.

The relationship of Cadmium, Lead, and Uranium with the geographical location of non-smoking Thalassemia individuals: A comparative study.

Immobilization and release behaviors of uranium mediated by the redox processes between manganese oxides and dissolved organic matter: Effects of pH and goethite.

Immobilization and release behaviors of uranium mediated by the redox processes between manganese oxides and dissolved organic matter: Effects of pH and goethite.

Chapter 5. Albertine Rift basin lakes

The Albertine Rift is dominated by Lakes Albert and Edward, which together represent two of the great rift lakes of East Africa. Rift basin lakes form one of the most obvious geomorphological features in an early continental rift basin, as crustal extension proceeds, causing the rift valley floor to subside and diverting the regional drainage pattern into the depocentre. Modern-day open lacustrine sedimentation in Albertine Rift lakes is dominated by deposition of organic-rich clays and diatomites, with fan deltas and turbidites delivering clastics from the flanks and long axes of the rift basins, respectively. Oxidation colours in the clays can be used to indicate bottom-water anoxia and seasonal mixing. Field evidence from Plio-Pleistocene rift-fill sediments demonstrates that diatomite horizons mark lacustrine transgressions, with deeper clay intervals recording elevated uranium (U) and thorium (Th) concentrations. Alkaline lake marly limestones, with algal mats, were discovered in two areas of onshore Lake Edward and preserve exceptionally high U and Th signatures. Similar values were identified in lacustrine clays of northern Lake Albert and suggest the development of restricted alkaline lake conditions within the Albertine Rift during its geological evolution were more common than previously acknowledged.

Measurement of uranium content in resin within adsorption towers in the in-situ leaching uranium process by total reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF)

Measurement of uranium content in resin within adsorption towers in the in-situ leaching uranium process by total reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF)

Absorbents for Uranium Extraction From Seawater

ABSTRACTSeawater contains approximately 4.5 billion tons of dissolved uranium, making it a significant potential source of nuclear fuel. However, the low uranium concentration, interference from competing ions, and the complex marine environment pose major challenges to the economic feasibility of uranium extraction. Among various extraction methods, adsorption is considered the most promising due to its low cost, simple operation, and strong adaptability to marine conditions. Current research primarily focuses on developing high‐performance adsorbent materials, including polymers, MXene, framework materials, and bio‐based adsorbents. To optimize adsorbent performance, efforts are directed toward enhancing adsorption selectivity, increasing functional group utilization, improving adsorption kinetics, and strengthening environmental adaptability. Researchers have explored various strategies to achieve these goals, such as ion imprinting, functional group engineering, and the application of external energy fields (e.g., light, electric fields) to enhance adsorption efficiency and uranium recovery. Although significant progress has been made in laboratory settings, real‐world marine applications still face critical challenges, including biofouling resistance, large‐scale engineering deployment, and efficient recovery. Future research efforts should focus on developing novel adsorbents, advancing external field‐assisted extraction technologies, and optimizing large‐scale engineering applications to enhance the practicality of seawater uranium extraction, ultimately making it a viable source of nuclear fuel.

Revealing correlation between gold and uranium contents of ore at the Yuzhnoe deposit of the Elkon Horst

Revealing correlation between gold and uranium contents of ore at the Yuzhnoe deposit of the Elkon Horst

Uranium recovery from alkaline leach solutions of low-grade Central Jordan uranium deposits utilizing Lewatit® TP-107.

Intensive exploration efforts have confirmed the presence of uranium as a low-grade surficial deposit in the Central Jordan region. According to the Joint Ore Reserve Committee (JORC) compliance resource estimations, approximately 41,000 tons of U3O8 with an average grade of 137ppm are located in this region, presenting challenges for effective uranium mining. This study evaluates the use of Lewatit® TP-107 resin for uranium recovery from the pregnant liquor solution produced by the alkaline leach process employed by the Jordan Uranium Mining Company (JUMCO). Uranium adsorption and desorption were examined through batch processes, considering various parameters such as initial pH, contact time, temperature, adsorbent dosage, and initial uranium concentration. The maximum uranium adsorption capacity of Lewatit® TP-107 was found to be approximately 67mg of U/g of resin at a temperature of 50°C. Adsorption isotherms were analyzed using both the Langmuir and Freundlich models. Thermodynamic analysis revealed that the Gibbs free energy change (ΔG°) ranged from 27.58 to - 24.05kJ/mol, the enthalpy change (ΔH°) was 18.03kJ/mol, and the entropy change (ΔS°) was 141.23J/mol·K, indicating a spontaneous endothermic adsorption process. Kinetic analysis showed that the adsorption rate followed a pseudo-second-order model, with a squared correlation coefficient (R2) close to unitary. After five consecutive cycles, the resin maintained an efficiency of approximately 85%, similar to its initial performance, when using NaHCO3 as the eluting solution.

Associations of non‑essential metals and their mixture with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in Chinese older adults.

Research investigating the impact of the non-essential metal (NEM) mixture on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) among the elderly is presently insufficient. This study investigated the relationships between individual NEMs, their mixtures, and NAFLD in elderly individuals residing in Chinese communities. The analysis included 2741 participants drawn from the baseline survey of a longitudinal study. Urinary concentrations of aluminum (Al), gallium (Ga), arsenic (As), cesium (Cs), barium (Ba), thallium (Tl), uranium (U), and cadmium (Cd) were quantified using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). NAFLD diagnosis was determined using abdominal ultrasound imaging. Logistic regression and restricted cubic spline (RCS) models were utilized to evaluate the relationships between individual NEMs and NAFLD. Additionally, Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) and quantile-based computation regression (QGC) models were employed to assess the impact of the NEM mixture on NAFLD. After adjusting for covariates, Tl was significantly associated with an increased likelihood of NAFLD (OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.10-1.44). Both RCS and BKMR models confirmed a linear relationship between urine Tl and the risk of NAFLD. Additionally, both BKMR and QGC models highlighted a significant connection between the NEMs mixture and NAFLD, identifying Tl as the primary driver. Significant interactions were observed between Tl and Ba, as well as between Tl and hypertension (Pinteraction = 0.055) and Tl and central obesity (Pinteraction = 0.008), collectively demonstrating synergistic impacts on NAFLD risk. The NEM mixture is associated with a higher risk of NAFLD in Chinese old adults, with Tl as the primary contributor. Additional investigation is required to validate these findings and shed light on underlying biological pathways through which co-exposure to NEMs contribute to NAFLD.