The Environmental Behaviour Of Uranium

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.

This book presents the results from the Uranium Mining and Hydrogeology Congress held in September 2005, in Freiberg, Germany. It addresses scientists and engineers involved in the areas of uranium mining and milling sites, clean-up measures, emissions of nuclear power plants and radioactive waste disposal, as well as political decision-makers. The topics covered are: impact on groundwater from radionuclide emission, analytical specification techniques, chemical toxicity, radioisotope plant uptake, microbiology, geochemical and reactive transport, case studies on active and abandoned uranium mines and milling sites, long-term storage of radioactive waste, passive in situ treatment techniques and risk assessment studies. The accompanying CD-ROM includes all papers in colour.

High levels of radioactive wastes are created during uranium mining and uranium processing for the production of nuclear fuels for power and weapons. Coal-fired power plants and fertilizer manufacture are also sources of uranium pollution. This book provides a comprehensive overview of the environmental impacts of uranium and transuranic wastes and the use of bioremediation, an emerging ecologically-compatible technique, to reduce contamination. Part one introduces the issue of environmental pollution with uranium and transuranic wastes. Part two then discusses the behaviour of uranium and transuranic wastes in the natural environment. Lastly parts three and four address the applications of biological treatment systems for bioremediation of contaminated sites. Comprehensive coverage of the issue of environmental pollution with uranium and transuranic wastes In-depth analysis of the behaviour of uranium and transuranic wastes in the natural environment Explores the applications of biological treatment systems for bioremediation of contaminated sites

In recent years, radioactive contamination in the environment by uranium (U) and its daughters has caused increasing concerns globally. This book provides recent developments and comprehensive knowledge to the researchers and academicians who are working on uranium contaminated areas worldwide. This book covers topics ranging from the beginning of the nuclear age until today, including historical views and epidemiological studies. Modelling practices and evaluation of radiological and chemical impact of uranium on man and the environment are included. Also covered are analytical methods used for the determination of uranium in geo/bio environments. Some chapters explore factors which influence uranium speciation and in consequence plant uptake/translocation. Last but not least, several chapters provide approaches and practices for remediation of uranium contaminated areas.

Polonium-210 is an alpha emitting radionuclide with no radioactive progeny and produces only very-low-intensity gamma rays at very low abundance. This means doses largely arise from internal exposure. In addition to the relatively high ingestion does coefficient of 210Po, radionuclide transfer in the environment results in high activity concentrations in certain foods. This publication focuses on radionuclide transfers in terrestrial, freshwater and marine environments, and provides information on key transfer processes, concepts and models--back cover.