Levels Of Uranium Research Articles

Recovery and processing of zircon from Murray Basin mineral sand deposits

Mineral sand deposits in the Murray Basin offer the potential for significantly expanding Australia's production of ilmenite, rutile and zircon. Since prices of zircon and rutile are higher than ilmenite, and zircon grades in most deposits are significantly higher than those for rutile, zircon often is the major economic mineral component in mineral sand deposits. Two types of deposits occur in the Murray Basin. They comprise strandline deposits, in which the particle size of the heavy minerals is similar to that in other Australian deposits, and fine grained, sheet-like, WIM style, deposits. While production from several strandline deposits has commenced, the fine grained deposits, which contain significantly greater amounts of mineralisation, are still to be developed. Problems with processing the finer particle size of the mineralisation, its variable mineralogy, higher surface and lattice impurity levels, in particular uranium and thorium in zircon grains, have contributed to this. Overcoming these problems is necessary to obtain the full commercial value from the Murray Basin deposits. Processing to recover a fine grained zircon concentrate from the extensive WIM style deposits and the removal of impurities in the concentrate are discussed in this paper. In particular, treatments to remove surface and lattice impurities, and to lower uranium and thorium levels by an acid leach and with heat and leach treatments, are reviewed. The conditions used in the heating treatment (e.g. temperature and nature of any fluxes added) affect the impurity removal and whether zirconia (ZrO2) or zircon (ZrSiO4) is obtained as the product.

In situ gamma ray measurements of radionuclides at a disused phosphate mine on the West Coast of South Africa

High levels of uranium and its radioactive progeny like radium is normally associated with phosphate mining. In Situ gamma ray spectroscopy as a survey tool has been successfully applied to assess radionuclide concentrations in various geographical environments. A transportable and robust gamma ray detection system (GISPI) was therefore employed to determine the concentrations of naturally occurring radionuclides at a disused phosphate mine on the West Coast of South Africa. The concentrations of radium, thorium and potassium were measured and plotted. The measurements showed fairly high concentrations with medians of 320 Bq/kg for 226Ra, 64 Bq/kg for 232Th and 390 Bq/kg for 40K. The highest concentrations were however confined to specific areas of the mine. The effective dose due to gamma irradiation for the various areas of the mine was also estimated and the highest estimated level was 0.45 mSv/y. The article finally draws conclusions as to the origins and impact of the radiation.

Internal exposure to uranium in a pooled cohort of gaseous diffusion plant workers.

Intakes and absorbed organ doses were estimated for 29 303 workers employed at three former US gaseous diffusion plants as part of a study of cause-specific mortality and cancer incidence in uranium enrichment workers. Uranium urinalysis data (>600 000 urine samples) were available for 58 % of the pooled cohort. Facility records provided uranium gravimetric and radioactivity concentration data and allowed estimation of enrichment levels of uranium to which workers may have been exposed. Urine data were generally recorded with facility department numbers, which were also available in study subjects' work histories. Bioassay data were imputed for study subjects with no recorded sample results (33 % of pooled cohort) by assigning department average urine uranium concentration. Gravimetric data were converted to 24-h uranium activity excretion using department average specific activities. Intakes and organ doses were calculated assuming chronic exposure by inhalation to a 5-µm activity median aerodynamic diameter aerosol of soluble uranium. Median intakes varied between 0.31 and 0.74 Bq d(-1) for the three facilities. Median organ doses for the three facilities varied between 0.019 and 0.051, 0.68 and 1.8, 0.078 and 0.22, 0.28 and 0.74, and 0.094 and 0.25 mGy for lung, bone surface, red bone marrow, kidneys, and liver, respectively. Estimated intakes and organ doses for study subjects with imputed bioassay data were similar in magnitude.

Urinary heavy metals, phthalates, phenols, thiocyanate, parabens, pesticides, polyaromatic hydrocarbons but not arsenic or polyfluorinated compounds are associated with adult oral health: USA NHANES, 2011-2012.

Links between environmental chemicals and human health have emerged over the last few decades, but the effects on oral health have been less studied. Therefore, it was aimed to study the relationships of different sets of urinary chemical concentrations and adult oral health conditions in a national and population-based setting. Data was retrieved from the United States National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, 2011-2012 including demographics, self-reported oral health conditions and urinary environmental chemical concentrations (one third representative sample of the study population). Chi-square test, t test, and survey-weighted logistic and multi-nominal regression modeling were performed. Of 4566 American adults aged 30-80, 541 adults (11.9 %) reported poor teeth health while 1020 adults (22.4 %) reported fair teeth. Eight hundred fifty-five people (19.1 %) claimed to have gum disease, presented with higher levels of urinary cadmium, cobalt and polyaromatic hydrocarbons. Six hundred three adults (13.3 %) had bone loss around the mouth, presented with higher levels of cadmium, nitrate, thiocyanate, propyl paraben and polyaromatic hydrocarbons. Eight hundred forty-five adults (18.5 %) had tooth loose not due to injury, presented with higher level of cadmium, thiocyanate and polyaromatic hydrocarbons. Eight hundred forty-five adults (18.5 %) with higher levels of lead, uranium, polyaromatic hydrocarbons but lower level of triclosan noticed their teeth did not look right. Three hundred fifty-one adults (7.7 %) often had aching in the mouth and 650 (14.3 %) had it occasionally, presented with higher levels of phthalates, pesticides and polyaromatic hydrocarbons. Benzophenone-3 and triclosan elicited protective effects. Regulation of environmental chemicals in prevention of adult oral health might need to be considered in future health and environmental policies.

Mutagenicity monitoring following battlefield exposures: Longitudinal study of HPRT mutations in gulf war i veterans exposed to depleted uranium

A total of 70 military Veterans have been monitored for HPRT T-cell mutations in five separate studies at 2-year intervals over an 8-year period. Systemic depleted uranium (DU) levels were measured at the time of each study by determining urinary uranium (uU) excretion. Each HPRT study included 30-40 Veterans, several with retained DU-containing shrapnel. Forty-nine Veterans were evaluated in multiple studies, including 14 who were in all five studies. This permitted a characterization of the HPRT mutation assay over time to assess the effects of age, smoking and non-selected cloning efficiencies, as well as the inter- and intra-individual variability across time points. Molecular analyses identified the HPRT mutation and T-cell receptor (TCR) gene rearrangement in 1,377 mutant isolates. An unexpected finding was that in vivo clones of HPRT mutant T-cells were present in some Veterans, and could persist over several years of the study. The calculated HPRT mutant frequencies (MFs) were repeatedly elevated in replicate studies in three outlier Veterans with elevated urinary uranium excretion levels. However, these three outlier Veterans also harbored large and persistent in vivo HPRT mutant T-cell clones, each of which was represented by a single founder mutation. Correction for in vivo clonality allowed calculation of HPRT T-cell mutation frequencies (MutFs). Despite earlier reports of DU associated increases in HPRT MFs in some Veterans, the results presented here demonstrate that HPRT mutations are not increased by systemic DU exposure. Additional battlefield exposures were also evaluated for associations with HPRT mutations and none were found.

Dynamic interplay between uranyl phosphate precipitation, sorption, and phase evolution

Natural examples demonstrate uranyl-phosphate minerals can maintain extremely low levels of aqueous uranium in groundwaters due to their low solubility. Therefore, greater understanding of the geochemical factors leading to uranyl phosphate precipitation may lead to successful application of phosphate-based remediation methods. However, the solubility of uranyl phosphate phases varies over >3 orders of magnitude, with the most soluble phases typically observed in lab experiments. To understand the role of common soil/sediment mineral surfaces in the nucleation and transformation of uranyl phosphate minerals under environmentally relevant conditions, batch experiments were carried out with goethite and mica at pH 6 in mixed electrolyte solutions ranging from 1–800μM U and 1–800μM P. All experiments ended with uranium concentrations below the USEPA MCL for U, but with 2–3 orders of magnitude difference in uranium concentrations. Despite the presence of many cations that are well known to incorporate into less soluble autunite-group minerals, chernikovite rapidly precipitated in all experiments containing U and P, except for solutions with 1μM U and 1μM P that were calculated to be undersaturated. Textures of uranyl phosphates observed by AFM and TEM indicate that nucleation was homogenous and independent of the initial mineral content. Comparison of time-course U and P concentrations from the experiments with thermodynamic modeling of solution equilibria demonstrated that aqueous uranium concentrations in the experimental systems evolved as increasingly sparingly soluble uranyl phosphate phases nucleated over time, with sorption accelerating the transition between phases by influencing solution chemistry. Aqueous uranium concentrations consistent with partially dehydrated (meta-) autunite were achieved only in experiments containing goethite and/or mica. These dynamic nucleation-growth-sorption-nucleation-growth-sorption cycles occur over the time scales of weeks, not hours or days at room temperature. Lab experiments and field-based investigations of uranium phosphate should consider these or longer time scales for the greatest long-term relevance.

Measurements of indoor radon concentrations in Chaiya and Tha Chana districts, Surat Thani province, Thailand

Chaiya and Tha Chana districts of Surat Thani province are located in the areas with high levels of equivalent uranium at the ground surface, which have been identified as sources of radon. A survey measurement of indoor radon concentrations was carried out in 248 houses, using CR-39 detectors in closed cups. The geometric mean of indoor radon concentrations in Chaiya and Tha Chana districts were 26 ± 2 Bq·m-3 and 30 ± 2 Bq·m-3, respectively. Although the minimum radon concentration was 4 Bq·m-3 in both locations, the maximum radon concentration was found to be 159 Bq·m-3 in Tha Chana district, while it was 88 Bq·m-3 in Chaiya district. The level of radon concentrations above the action level (148 Bq·m-3) recommended by the United States Environmental Protection Agency was only found in two houses, which accounted for 1% of the total buildings surveyed in this present study. The majority of houses, which accounted for 94% of the total buildings surveyed, showed the radon concentration below the action level. As these houses had access to air flow during the daytime through open doors and windows, it is likely that such ventilation was sufficient to keep radon at a low concentration.

Cellular localization of uranium in the renal proximal tubules during acute renal uranium toxicity.

Renal toxicity is a hallmark of uranium exposure, with uranium accumulating specifically in the S3 segment of the proximal tubules causing tubular damage. As the distribution, concentration and dynamics of accumulated uranium at the cellular level is not well understood, here, we report on high-resolution quantitative in situ measurements by high-energy synchrotron radiation X-ray fluorescence analysis in renal sections from a rat model of uranium-induced acute renal toxicity. One day after subcutaneous administration of uranium acetate to male Wistar rats at a dose of 0.5 mg uranium kg(-1) body weight, uranium concentration in the S3 segment of the proximal tubules was 64.9 ± 18.2 µg g(-1) , sevenfold higher than the mean renal uranium concentration (9.7 ± 2.4 µg g(-1) ). Uranium distributed into the epithelium of the S3 segment of the proximal tubules and highly concentrated uranium (50-fold above mean renal concentration) in micro-regions was found near the nuclei. These uranium levels were maintained up to 8 days post-administration, despite more rapid reductions in mean renal concentration. Two weeks after uranium administration, damaged areas were filled with regenerating tubules and morphological signs of tissue recovery, but areas of high uranium concentration (100-fold above mean renal concentration) were still found in the epithelium of regenerating tubules. These data indicate that site-specific accumulation of uranium in micro-regions of the S3 segment of the proximal tubules and retention of uranium in concentrated areas during recovery are characteristics of uranium behavior in the kidney.

Levels of rare earth elements, heavy metals and uranium in a population living in Baiyun Obo, Inner Mongolia, China: A pilot study

The Baiyun Obo deposit is the world’s largest rare earth elements (REE) deposit. We aimed to investigate levels of REE, heavy metals (HMs) and uranium (U) based on morning urine samples in a population in Baiyun Obo and to assess the possible influence of rare earth mining processes on human exposure. In the mining area, elevated levels were found for the sum of the concentrations of light REE (LREE) and heavy REE (HREE) with mean values at 3.453 and 1.151μgg−1 creatinine, which were significantly higher than those in the control area. Concentrations of HMs and U in the population increased concomitantly with increasing REE levels. The results revealed that besides REE, HMs and U were produced with REE exploitation. Gender, age, educational level, alcohol and smoking habit were major factors contributing to inter-individual variation. Males were more exposed to these metals than females. Concentrations in people in the senior age group and those with only primary education were low. Drinking and smoking were associated with the levels of LREE, Cr, Cu, Cd and Pb in morning urine. Hence this study provides basic and useful information when addressing public and environmental health challenges in the areas where REE are mined and processed.

Pennsylvania's technologically enhanced, naturally occurring radioactive material experiences and studies of the oil and gas industry.

This presentation provides an overview of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's experiences and ongoing studies related to technologically enhanced, naturally occurring radioactive material (TENORM) in the oil and gas industry. It has been known for many years that Pennsylvania's geology is unique, with several areas having relatively high levels of natural uranium and thorium. In the 1950s, a few areas of the state were evaluated for commercial uranium production. In the late 1970s, scoping studies of radon in homes prompted the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Bureau of Radiation Protection (BRP) to begin planning for a larger state-wide radon study. The BRP and Oil and Gas Bureau also performed a TENORM study of produced water in the early 1990s for a number of conventional oil and gas wells. More recently, BRP and the Bureau of Solid Waste developed radiation monitoring regulations for all Pennsylvania solid waste disposal facilities. These were implemented in 2001, prompting another evaluation of oil and gas operations and sludge generated from the treatment of conventionally produced water and brine but mainly focused on the disposal of TENORM solid waste in the state's Resource Conservation and Recovery Act Subtitle D landfills. However, since 2008, the increase in volumes of gas well wastewater and levels of Ra observed in the unconventional shale gas well flow-back fracking water has compelled DEP to fully re-examine these oil and gas operations. Specifically, with BRP in the lead, a new TENORM study of oil and gas operations and related wastewater treatment operations has been initiated (), supported by an American National Standards Institute standard on TENORM () and a U.S. Government Accountability Office report on shale resource development and risks (). This study began in early 2013 and will examine the potential public and worker radiation exposure and environmental impact as well as re-evaluate TENORM waste disposal. This presentation summarizes conventional and unconventional oil and gas well operations, geology and respective uranium/thorium content, radium content in oil and gas wastewater, treatment solids, radon in natural gas, the scope of other TENORM issues in the state, regulatory framework, national regulations and guidance. It also provides an overview of past and the status of ongoing TENORM studies in the Commonwealth (; Rowan and Kraemer 2012; ).

Monitoring radionuclides in subsurface drinking water sources near unconventional drilling operations: a pilot study

Unconventional drilling (the combination of hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling) to extract oil and natural gas is expanding rapidly around the world. The rate of expansion challenges scientists and regulators to assess the risks of the new technologies on drinking water resources. One concern is the potential for subsurface drinking water resource contamination by naturally occurring radioactive materials co-extracted during unconventional drilling activities. Given the rate of expansion, opportunities to test drinking water resources in the pre- and post-fracturing setting are rare. This pilot study investigated the levels of natural uranium, lead-210, and polonium-210 in private drinking wells within 2000 m of a large-volume hydraulic fracturing operation – before and approximately one-year following the fracturing activities. Observed radionuclide concentrations in well waters tested did not exceed maximum contaminant levels recommended by state and federal agencies. No statistically-significant differences in radionuclide concentrations were observed in well-water samples collected before and after the hydraulic fracturing activities. Expanded monitoring of private drinking wells before and after hydraulic fracturing activities is needed to develop understanding of the potential for drinking water resource contamination from unconventional drilling and gas extraction activities.

Environmental releases from fuel cycle facility: part 1: radionuclide resuspension vs. stack releases on ambient airborne uranium and thorium levels

Airborne activity levels of uranium and thorium series were measured in the vicinity (1.1 km) of a uranium (UF4) processing plant, located in Malvési, south of France. Regarding its impact on the environment, this facility is characterized by its routine atmospheric releases of uranium and by the emission of radionuclide-labelled particles from a storage pond filled with waste water or that contain dried sludge characterized by traces of plutonium and thorium (230Th). This study was performed during a whole year (November 2009–November 2010) and based on weekly aerosol sampling. Thanks to ICP-MS results, it was possible to perform investigations of uranium and thorium decay product concentration in the air. The number of aerosol filters sampled (50) was sufficient to establish a relationship between airborne radionuclide variations and the wind conditions. As expected, the more the time spent in the plume, the higher the ambient levels. The respective contributions of atmospheric releases and resuspension from local soil and waste ponds on ambient dust load and uranium-bearing aerosols were estimated. Two shutdown periods dedicated to facility servicing made it possible to estimate the resuspension contribution and to specify its origin (local or regional) according to the wind direction and remote background concentration. Airborne uranium mainly comes from the emission stack and, to a minor extent (∼20%), from wind resuspension of soil particles from the surrounding fields and areas devoted to waste storage. Moreover, weighed activity levels were clearly higher during operational periods than for shutdown periods.

괴산지역 시추공 지하수의 자연방사성물질 산출특성과 지화학적 기원

지하수내 존재하고 있는 자연방사성물질인 우라늄과 라돈-222의 산출특성과 지화학적 기원을 알아보기 위해 괴산지역 연구부지내 120 m 깊이의 지하수 관정을 시추하여 심도별 시추코어의 암석화학적 특성과 지하수의 화학적 특성을 분석하였다. 시추코어 샘플 분석과 함께 더블패커시스템과 베일러를 이용하여 8개의 심도별 지하수 시료를 채취하여 지화학적 특성 분석을 수행하였다. 시추코어 분석결과, 주요 암종은 화강반암과 점판암이었으며 일부 구간에서는 탄산염암과 석회규산염암, 페그마타이트가 확인되었다. 심도별 지하수의 pH는 7.8~8.4의 범위이며, 화학적 유형은 Na-<TEX>$HCO_3$</TEX>형태를 보였다. 암석 및 광물 내 우라늄과 토륨의 함량은 각각 < 0.2~14.8 ppm과 0.56~45.0 ppm의 범위였으며, 암석현미경과 전자현미경(EPMA) 관찰 결과 자연방사성원소(우라늄) 함유 광물은 흑운모내 포획된 모나자이트 광물인 것으로 확인되었다. 우라늄은 이들 광물의 주요 구성원소를 치환하여 존재하는 것으로 보이며 파쇄대와 같은 주요 대수층 구간에서 용해되어 지하수와 함께 용출되는 것으로 보인다. 라돈-222의 함량은 우라늄의 함량과 어떠한 상관성을 보이지 않았으며 향후, 라돈가스 기원 추적을 위해서는 헬륨과 네온 등 영족기체 동위원소비를 이용한 간접적인 방법을 적용하여 분석할 필요가 있을 것으로 판단된다. The origins and varieties of natural radioactive materials, including uranium and radon-222, were examined in a drilled borehole extending to a depth of 120 m below the surface in the Goesan area. In addition to core samples, eight groundwater samples were collected at different depths, using a double packer system and bailer, and their geochemical characteristics were determined. Most of the rock samples from the drilled core consisted of granite porphyry, with sedimentary rocks (slate, carbonate, or lime-silicates) and pegmatite occurring in certain sections. The pH of samples varied from 7.8 to 8.4, and the groundwater was of a Na-<TEX>$HCO_3$</TEX>type. Uranium and thorium concentrations in the core were < 0.2-14.8 ppm and 0.56-45.0 ppm, respectively. Observations by microscope and an electron probe microanalyzer (EPMA) showed that the mineral containing the natural radioactive materials was monazite contained in biotite crystals. The uranium, which substituted for major elements in the monazite, appeared to have dissolved and been released into the groundwater in a shear zone. Concentrations of Radon-222 in the borehole showed no close relationship with levels of uranium. The isotopes of noble gases, such as helium and neon, would be useful for analyzing the origins and characteristics of the natural radioactive materials.

Elevated Uranium and Toxic Elements Concentration in Groundwater in Punjab State of India: Extent of the Problem and Risk Due to Consumption of Unsafe Drinking Water

The article provides the first ever Statewise information on uranium and other toxic elements (Pb, As, Cd, Al, Hg, Se, and Ni) present in excess quantity in groundwater in Punjab State of India. It undertakes detailed analysis of 252 ground water samples, out of total 1,686 samples, which were found exceeding guideline value for uranium in drinking water as specified by different regulating agencies like Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) India, United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), and World Health Organization (WHO). The groundwater samples were collected from 14 districts for analysis of uranium following suspected high level of uranium in groundwater and possible co-relationship of uranium in drinking water with high incidences of cancer, kidney problem, birth defects, and other abnormalities in some areas in Punjab State of India. Basic information on cancer-related incidences is also given. Keeping in view that there could be multiple reasons of cancer-related incidences and other health hazards, data on pesticide consumption in the State were also collected, and test results of other toxic elements (Pb, As, Cd, Al, Hg, Se, and Ni) in 7,176 groundwater-based drinking water sources are also presented.The analysis reveals that groundwater at many villages, which is used for drinking purpose, is contaminated with uranium and other toxic metals, and consumption of drinking water contaminated with many toxic elements may be one of the reason of high incidences of cancer, kidney problem, birth defects, and other abnormalities in some areas in Punjab State of India.

Paleovalley-related uranium: exploration criteria and case-studies from Australia and China

Uranium exploration and mining in Australia and China are significant and increasingly important sectors of each country's respective mineral industry. Here we focus on similarities in the geology of paleovalley-related uranium mineralising systems, which can be used to refine strategies for exploration. Paleovalley-related uranium resources are developed as sandstone-hosted and surficial deposits within paleovalley-fills, deposited either on incised crystalline bedrock, or incised sedimentary cover that is often of similar age to the sediments that host the mineralisation. With respect to Sino-Australian examples, paleovalley-related uranium occurs mostly around the margins of Mesozoic and Cenozoic basins; often the mineralisation is hosted within sands contained within paleovalleys developed upon, or proximal to, Precambrian crystalline rock that contains primary uranium mineralisation. Numerous examples are known in Australia and China where granitic rocks of pre-Mesozoic age contain uranium in the range 10-100 ppm, concentrations significantly above the crustal average of 2.8 ppm uranium. Crystalline rocks with above-background levels of uranium that are incised by paleovalleys are often the inferred source of the sandstone-hosted uranium. In these regions, extensive fluvial systems developed particularly during Mesozoic and early Cenozoic times, eroded weathered basement rocks to physically disperse uranium into the cover sediments, with subsequent chemical remobilisation, dispersion and concentration of uranium occurring throughout the late Cenozoic. Paleovalley-related uranium deposits are typically hosted within unlithified sand, lignitic clays or calcreted channel-fill, deposited in continental or marginal marine environments. Sandstone-hosted uranium deposits in many cases contain impermeable clay layers, intercalated within the sedimentary sequence; impervious layers often form the upper and lower bounding strata of individual deposits. Uranium deposits are associated with reduced lithologies; mineralisation is developed where oxidising fluids (carrying dissolved U) were modified by interaction with reduced sands, the latter commonly containing pyrite and dispersed organic matter and/or seams of lignite. Mineralised bodies, often tabular or roll-shaped, formed along the interface between clay horizons and the sandy facies of paleovalley sediments. Geological, geophysical and geochemical features of the paleovalleys and related uranium deposits have been used to construct models to understand ore genesis and assist exploration for paleovalley-hosted uranium deposits. Australia and China remain highly prospective for the discovery of new paleovalley-related uranium deposits. The precise geometric definitions of the basin margin and paleovalley architecture are important in identifying exploration targets and improving the effectiveness of drilling. This requires the integration of various geoscientific data sets. Refinements in remote sensing, geophysical techniques and data processing, in combination with sedimentological and depositional interpretations, provide an efficient approach for outlining the principal drainage patterns and channel dimensions. To help reduce risk, an exploration strategy should combine these technologies with a detailed understanding of the physicochemical parameters of uranium reduction, mobilisation and preservation.

Preliminary study on the radiological and physicochemical quality of the Umgeni Water catchments and drinking water sources in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Raw and potable water sample sources, from the Umgeni Water catchment areas (rivers, dams, boreholes) in central KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa), were screened for Uranium concentration and alpha and beta radioactivity. Test methods used were gas flow proportional counting for alpha-beta radioactivity, and kinetic phosphorescence analysis (KPA), for Uranium. The uranium levels (median = 0.525 μg/L, range = <0.050–5.010) were well below the international World Health Organization (WHO) (2011) guideline for drinking-water quality (≤15 μg/L). The corresponding alpha and beta radioactivity was ≤0.5 Bq/L (median = 0.084, Interquartile Range (IR) = 0.038, range = 0.018–0.094), and ≤1.0 Bq/L (median = 0.114, IR = 0.096, range = 0.024–0.734), respectively, in compliance with the international WHO limits. For uranium radionuclide, the average dose level, at uranium level of ±0.525 μg/L, was 0.06 μSv/a, which complies with the WHO reference dose level for drinking water (<0.1 mSv/a). There was a distinct trend of cluster of relatively higher Uranium levels of some sources that were found to be associated with the geology/geography and groundwater sources. Overall, the radiological water quality classification, with respect to WHO, is “Blue” – ideal; additional physicochemical analyses indicated good water quality. The analytical test methods employed were found to be suitable for preliminary screening for potential radioactive “hot spots”. The observed Uranium levels, and the alpha/beta radioactivity, indicate contribution largely from Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM), with no significant health risk to humans, or to the environment.

Chronic uranium exposure dose-dependently induces glutathione in rats without any nephrotoxicity

Uranium is a heavy metal naturally found in the earth's crust that can contaminate the general public population when ingested. The acute effect and notably the uranium nephrotoxicity are well known but knowledge about the effect of chronic uranium exposure is less clear. In a dose-response study we sought to determine if a chronic exposure to uranium is toxic to the kidneys and the liver, and what the anti-oxidative system plays in these effects. Rats were contaminated for 3 or 9 months by uranium in drinking water at different concentrations (0, 1, 40, 120, 400, or 600 mg/L). Uranium tissue content in the liver, kidneys, and bones was linear and proportional to uranium intake after 3 and 9 months of contamination; it reached 6 μg per gram of kidney tissues for the highest uranium level in drinking water. Nevertheless, no histological lesions of the kidney were observed, nor any modification of kidney biomarkers such as creatinine or KIM-1. After 9 months of contamination at and above the 120-mg/L concentration of uranium, lipid peroxidation levels decreased in plasma, liver, and kidneys. Glutathione concentration increased in the liver for the 600-mg/L group, in the kidney it increased dose dependently, up to 10-fold, after 9 months of contamination. Conversely, chronic uranium exposure irregularly modified gene expression of antioxidant enzymes and activities in the liver and kidneys. In conclusion, chronic uranium exposure did not induce nephrotoxic effects under our experimental conditions, but instead reinforced the antioxidant system, especially by increasing glutathione levels in the kidneys.

Surface Sediment Contamination by Uranium Mining/Milling Activities in South China

The distribution and the contamination level of uranium (U) and thorium (Th) radionuclides and potentially toxic metals, Cu, Li, Mn, Sr, and Zn were investigated in surface sediments from aquifer systems around a uranium industrial site in the northern Guangdong Province, China. Total contents of these elements and other major elements, including Fe, Al, Mg, Na, Ca, and K, were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. The results show that the contents of U, Th, Cu, and Mn are elevated in the sediments from a recipient stream that drains the industrial site and the reservoir downstream. Metal contents varied significantly among the sampling locations, and generally displayed a decreasing trend as the distance from the U industrial site increased. However, the highest level of U, Th, Cu, and Mn is observed in the terminal of the recipient stream, where is the inlet of a reservoir. Assessment of elemental enrichment in the sediments using enrichment factor and geoaccumulation index indicates that among the analyzed metals, U, Th, and Cu are the major contaminants, while contaminations of Li, Mn, Sr, and Zn which displayed depletion to minimal enrichment are not significant.

The potential radiological impact from a Brazilian phosphate facility

In the semiarid region of Brazil, a facility for the production of phosphoric acid for fertilizer is in the last stages of the planning phase. The raw feedstock of Santa Quiteria has a very high level of uranium associated with the phosphate in form of apatite. The reaction by which phosphoric acid is produced generates phosphogypsum (PG) as a by-product. The ratio of phosphogypsum to phosphoric acid is approximately 5 to 1. After all of the phosphate has been extracted and processed, it is expected that some 37 million tons of phosphogypsum will be produced, containing 13 Bq/g of 226Ra and 11 Bq/g of 210Pb. To assess the potential impact of this PG stack on the surrounding inhabitants, a generic impact assessment was performed using a modeling approach. We estimated the amount and shape of the residue stack and used computational codes for assessing the radiological impact in a prospective risk assessment. A hypothetical farmer scenario was used to calculate two potential doses, one near the site boundary and another directly over the stack piles after the project is shut down. Using a conservative approach, the potential public dose was estimated to be 2.8 mSv/y. This study identified the rainfall erosion index, dissolution rate of PG, radionuclide distribution coefficients and fish consumption rate as parameters where improved information could enhance the quality of the dose assessment. The disposal and shape of the stack is of major concern, since the PG erosion might be the main pathway for the environmental contamination; therefore, studies should be carried out to determine a suitable shape and disposal of the stack. Furthermore, containment barriers should be evaluated for their potential to reduce or avoid environmental contamination by runoff. In addition, the onsite public dose underscores the importance of a planning for remediation of the area after the plant is shut down to assure that neither the public nor the environmental health will be affected by the presence of the PG stack.

Biomineralization of uranium by PhoY phosphatase activity aids cell survival in Caulobacter crescentus.

Caulobacter crescentus is known to tolerate high levels of uranium [U(VI)], but its detoxification mechanism is poorly understood. Here we show that C. crescentus is able to facilitate U(VI) biomineralization through the formation of U-Pi precipitates via its native alkaline phosphatase activity. The U-Pi precipitates, deposited on the cell surface in the form of meta-autunite structures, have a lower U/Pi ratio than do chemically produced precipitates. The enzyme that is responsible for the phosphatase activity and thus the biomineralization process is identified as PhoY, a periplasmic alkaline phosphatase with broad substrate specificity. Furthermore, PhoY is shown to confer a survival advantage on C. crescentus toward U(VI) under both growth and nongrowth conditions. Results obtained in this study thus highlight U(VI) biomineralization as a resistance mechanism in microbes, which not only improves our understanding of bacterium-mineral interactions but also aids in defining potential ecological niches for metal-resistant bacteria.