基于铀同位素分馏(δ238U)测量的地浸采铀地下水修复还原度评估方法

A Method of Estimating Uranium Reduction Degree for In situ Leaching Uranium Mine Restoration

  • 摘要: 针对地浸采铀(ISL)后的地下水修复效果评估难题,本研究提出了一种基于铀同位素分馏(δ238U)的定量评估新方法。以我国北方某长期停产的CO2+O2地浸采区为研究对象,通过系统监测地下水样品的δ238U值、水化学参数及铀浓度,揭示自然修复过程中的关键地球化学行为。初步探索发现,研究区238U/235U分馏系数ε为(0.46±0.07)‰,多数监测井δ238U呈现显著负偏(最低−2.49‰),说明U(VI)还原反应的发生及其主导的修复机制。进一步研究表明,δ238U与氧化还原电位(Eh)呈显著负相关,是比Eh更可靠的U(VI)还原程度直接指标;而高浓度碳酸盐配合物会抑制还原进程,导致强还原点位(Eh<0 mV)的δ238U值偏正。本研究证实,δ238U可作为评估地浸采区地下水自然修复效能与稳定性的有效示踪剂,为修复目标的制定与技术优化提供了科学依据。

     

    Abstract: To address the challenge of evaluating groundwater remediation effectiveness after in situ Leaching (ISL) uranium mining, this study proposes a novel quantitative assessment method based on uranium isotopic fractionation (δ238U). Taking a long-term suspended CO2+O2 ISL mining area in northern China as the research subject, systematic monitoring of δ238U values, hydrochemical parameters, and uranium concentrations in groundwater samples was conducted, revealing key geochemical behaviors during natural remediation. Preliminary exploration found that the 238U/235U fractionation factor ε in the study area is (0.46±0.07)‰, with most monitoring wells showing significantly negative δ238U values (minimum −2.49‰), indicating the occurrence of U(VI) reduction as the dominant remediation mechanism. Further research demonstrates that δ238U exhibits a significant negative correlation with redox potential (Eh) and serves as a more reliable direct indicator of U(VI) reduction extent than Eh alone. However, high concentrations of carbonate complexes can inhibit the reduction process, resulting in less negative δ238U values at strongly reducing sites (Eh < 0 mV). This study confirms that δ238U can serve as an effective tracer for assessing the efficacy and stability of natural groundwater remediation in ISL mining areas, providing a scientific basis for setting remediation goals and optimizing technical strategies.

     

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