Simultaneous reduction of arsenic(V) and uranium(VI) by mackinawite: role of uranyl arsenate precipitate formation

Environ Sci Technol. 2014 Dec 16;48(24):14326-34. doi: 10.1021/es5037496. Epub 2014 Nov 24.

Abstract

Uranium (U) and arsenic (As) often occur together naturally and, as a result, can be co-contaminants at sites of uranium mining and processing, yet few studies have examined the simultaneous redox dynamics of U and As. This study examines the influence of arsenate (As(V)) on the reduction of uranyl (U(VI)) by the redox-active mineral mackinawite (FeS). As(V) was added to systems containing 47 or 470 μM U(VI) at concentrations ranging from 0 to 640 μM. In the absence of As(V), U was completely removed from solution and fully reduced to nano-uraninite (nano-UO2). While the addition of As(V) did not reduce U uptake, at As(V) concentrations above 320 μM, the reduction of U(VI) was limited due to the formation of a trögerite-like uranyl arsenate precipitate. The presence of U also significantly inhibited As(V) reduction. While less U(VI) reduction to nano-UO2 may take place in systems with high As(V) concentrations, formation of trögerite-like mineral phases may be an acceptable reclamation end point due to their high stability under oxic conditions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Arsenates / chemistry*
  • Arsenic / chemistry
  • Ferrous Compounds / chemistry*
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • Uranium / chemistry*

Substances

  • Arsenates
  • Ferrous Compounds
  • Uranium
  • Arsenic
  • arsenic acid
  • ferrous sulfide