Influence of Humic Acids on the Migration of Uranium (IV)/(VI) in Quartz Sand

This study investigates the migration behavior of U(IV) and U(VI) in the system humic acid / uranium / quartz sand by means of column experiments. Humic acid exhibits a significant influence on the transport of U(IV) and U(VI). In case of U(VI) a clear mobilizing effect was observed. There are strong indications for a similar influence of humic acid on U(IV) transport. Both redox species of uranium differ slightly in their migration behavior in presence of humic acid. This is mainly reflected in a disagreement of their total recoveries. The observed difference amounts to approximately 25 %.