The fate of uraniumin phosphate-rich soils

A number of industrial processes concentrate natural radionuclides to levels that cannot be disregarded on health or environmental grounds. These activites include mining of metalliferous and non-metalliferous ores; ore processing; oil and gas extraction; metal smelting and power production from coal (IAEA 2003; Ceccarello et al. 2004; Read et al. 2004). The phosphate industry, which encompasses fertilizer production, is another. Concern has been raised that the radiological consequences of such processes have been underestimated. While this is undoubtedly true in many cases, there is considerable debate as to whether the widespread application of fertilizer has any significant effect on human exposure or the broader environment. This paper adds to the debate by addressing the likely fate of uranium in phosphate-rich soil media.