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Quantifying Technetium and Strontium Bioremediation Potential in Flowing Sediment Columns
Clare L Thorpe1, Gareth T W Law1,2, Jonathan R Lloyd1
1Research Centre for Radwaste Disposal and Williamson Research Centre for Molecular Environmental Science, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Manchester , Manchester M13 9PL, United Kingdom.
Bioreduction effectively immobilizes technetium-99m (99mTc) and strontium-90 (90Sr) in contaminated groundwater. Acetate amendment stimulated sulfate-reducing conditions, enhancing radionuclide retention in sediments from nuclear sites.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Geochemistry
- Microbiology
Background:
- Technetium-99 (99Tc) and strontium-90 (90Sr) are problematic radioactive contaminants in groundwater at nuclear sites.
- Bioreduction is a promising treatment for radioactively contaminated land.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the behavior and stability of 99mTc and 90Sr under various biogeochemical conditions.
- To assess the effectiveness of electron donor addition methods for radionuclide immobilization.
Main Methods:
- Dynamic column experiments using sediment from the Sellafield nuclear facility.
- Stimulation of biogeochemical conditions using acetate amendment.
- Tracer studies with 99mTc(VII) and stable Sr2+.
- Gamma camera imaging to monitor radionuclide retention.
Main Results:
- Fe(III)-reducing conditions developed within 60 days.
- Full retention of 99mTc was observed in acetate-amended systems.
- Immobilization of 99mTc was highest under sulfate-reducing conditions.
- Enhanced Sr retention was observed in sulfate-reducing systems with continuous Sr2+ addition.
Conclusions:
- Biogeochemical conditions significantly influence the mobility and immobilization of 99Tc and 90Sr.
- Acetate-amended bioreduction, particularly under sulfate-reducing conditions, is effective for immobilizing these radionuclides.
- Sediment reactivity and radionuclide biogeochemistry can be dynamically imaged over extended periods.
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