The Environmental Behaviour Of Uranium And Thorium

This publication is one of the series of IAEA publications on the environmental behaviour of naturally occurring radionuclides. It outlines uranium behaviour in different environments, as well as its transfer to, and metabolism in, humans. The publication also provides concepts, models and data required for the assessment of the impacts of uranium on non-human biota. Assessing the environmental and health effects of uranium poses specific challenges because of the combination of different types of hazard and potential exposures. Therefore, both the radiotoxicity and chemical toxicity of uranium are considered in this publication.

The second edition of this book reflects the rapid growth in the field of uranium-series disequilibrium during the past decade. The new edition presents a comprehensive discussion of theory and analytical methodology, emphasizing applications to problems in the Earth, marine, and environmental sciences where the phenomenon of disruption in naturally occurring decay series has facilitated so much productive research. To this end, the editors have drawn upon the experience and expertise of leading practitioners in each specialized area. This book should thus serve both as a reference text and a practical manual for graduate students and researchers in geochemistry, isotope hydrology, environmental science, sedimentology, Earth science, and archaeology.

The conventional mining and processing of uranium and thorium ore generates large amounts of waste. This report contains technical information on the development of an effective monitoring and surveillance programme for residues of radioactive ores. Issued considered include: modes of potential release of contaminants from mill tailings and mine waste; initial environmental surveys; monitoring and surveillance programmes; reporting; and quality assurance.