硝酸盐诱导下地下水中铀的活化作用研究

Study on Nitrate-induced Activation of Uranium in Groundwater

  • 摘要: 硝酸盐( \mathrmN\mathrmO_3^- )作为一种常见的地下水人为污染物和强氧化剂,在化学组分及微生物作用下可以促使地下水中铀的活化和迁移,但目前针对 \mathrmN\mathrmO_3^- 对地下水中铀的活化程度及其主控因素的研究较为薄弱。本研究通过采用室内静态批实验,探究不同因素( \mathrmN\mathrmO_3^- 浓度、金属还原地杆菌浓度、pH和Fe2+浓度)下地下水中 \mathrmN\mathrmO_3^- 对铀活化速率的影响。结果表明: \mathrmN\mathrmO_3^- 浓度低于100 mg/L时,铀的活化速率与 \mathrmN\mathrmO_3^- 浓度呈正相关,且金属还原地杆菌的生长活性和铀的活化作用均得到促进。地下水pH 6.8~7.0能促进铀的活化作用,Fe2+浓度低于0.2 mg/L时,铀的活化速率随着金属还原地杆菌和Fe2+浓度的增加而明显增加。研究成果为地下水U污染的预测和防治提供理论支持。

     

    Abstract: As the primary source of water for drinking and irrigation, groundwater necessitates analysis of the key controlling factors governing uranium contamination, thereby providing theoretical support for the management and control of groundwater pollution. Nitrate ( \mathrmN\mathrmO_3^- ), a prevalent anthropogenic contaminant of groundwater and a potent oxidant, can facilitate the activation and migration of uranium through complex interactions involving chemical constituents and microbial activity. However, the optimal conditions governing \mathrmN\mathrmO_3^- -induced U activation under the combined influence of multiple factors remain poorly defined. A deeper understanding of this \mathrmN\mathrmO_3^- -mediated process and its controlling factors is essential to elucidate the stability and oxidative release mechanisms of uranium in groundwater systems. To address this critical knowledge gap, the present study employed a comprehensive suite of laboratory-based static batch experiments, utilizing authentic groundwater as the reaction matrix. This study systematically investigated the effects of \mathrmN\mathrmO_3^- concentration, Geobacter metallireducens abundance, pH, and Fe2+ concentration on the rate of \mathrmN\mathrmO_3^- -mediated U activation. It quantified the influence of \mathrmN\mathrmO_3^- on U oxidation rates across these variables, thereby clarifying its regulatory role and underlying mechanisms in U activation and migration. Results indicate that groundwater pH exhibits a triphasic pattern: an initial increase (acid consumption), followed by a decrease (acid production), and a final increase (acid consumption). Optimal U activation occurrs at pH 6.8 and 7.0. Variations in Eh are primarily driven by changes in Fe2+ and U(Ⅵ) concentrations. The production of Fe3+ and U(Ⅵ) during activation significantly increases system Eh. Under the experimental conditions, higher Eh values correspond to more effective U activation. The U activation rate shows a positive correlation with initial \mathrmN\mathrmO_3^- concentration, stimulating both Geobacter metallireducens growth and U activation. Above 100 mg/L \mathrmN\mathrmO_3^- , the activation rate plateau, although activation continues. Within the optimal growth pH range for Geobacter metallireducens (6.8-7.0), both bacterial activity and U activation rates are enhanced. Deviation from this pH range inhibits bacterial respiration, consequently reducing U activation. The \mathrmN\mathrmO_3^- -mediated U activation rate increases with higher initial Fe2+ concentrations, promoting Geobacter metallireducens activity and U activation. Beyond 0.2 mg/L Fe2+, further concentration increases yielded diminishing returns in activation rate. Collectively, these results provide crucial mechanistic insights into the biogeochemical factors governing \mathrmN\mathrmO_3^- -mediated U mobilization in groundwater. The identification of optimal pH conditions, concentration thresholds for key reactants ( \mathrmN\mathrmO_3^- , Fe2+), and the pivotal role of specific microbial metabolism (Geobacter metallireducens) significantly advances predictive capability regarding U contamination dynamics. This foundational understanding is vital for developing effective strategies to forecast, prevent, and remediate uranium pollution in vulnerable aquifer systems, ultimately safeguarding water resources.

     

/

返回文章
返回