Colloid-borne forms of tetravalent actinides: A brief review


Colloid-borne forms of tetravalent actinides: A brief review

Zänker, H.; Hennig, C.

Tetravalent actinides, An(IV), are usually assumed to be little mobile in near-neutral environmental waters because of their low solubility. However, there are certain geochemical scenarios during which mobilization of An(IV) in a colloid-borne (waterborne) form can not be ruled out. A compilation of colloid-borne forms of tetravalent actinides described so far for laboratory experiments, field experiments and real-world scenarios is given. It is intended to be a knowledge base and a tool for those who have to interpret actinide behavior under environmental conditions. Colloids containing structural An(IV) and colloids carrying adsorbed An(IV) are considered. Their behavior is compared with the behavior of An(IV) colloids observed after the intentional or unintentional release of actinides into the environment. A list of knowledge gaps as to the behavior of An(IV) colloids is provided and items which need further research are highlighted.

Keywords: Tetravalent actinides; groundwater; colloids; nanoparticles; subsurface transport

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Publ.-Id: 19055