Multiple assays of uranium toxicity in soil

Abstract

The literature offers conflicting information on the phytotoxicity of uranium (

The development of assessment and remediation guidelines for contaminated soils, a review of the science

“…As Cairns (1986) stated, the concept of a single, most-sensitive species is a myth. Dutka and co-workers (e.g., Dutka et al 1991) are especially noted for applying a battery of tests in Canadian aquatic studies, and this approach has also been used for soils (Miller et al 1985;Gunkel and Ahlf 1990; Wang and Bartha 1990; Sheppard et al 1992a (Fig. 2).…”

Oxidative stress reactions induced in beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) following exposure to uranium

“…In his study on ecotoxicity thresholds for U, Sheppard et al [44] conflicting information on the phytotoxicity of U in soil reported. Levels as low as 0.5 mg U kg −1 (EC 25 for seed number, [1]) to 5 mg U kg −1 (EC 25 for biomass yield [24]) well within the normal background range, have been cited as toxic, whereas many studies report no toxicity at soil concentrations 100-1000-fold higher [42,43]. Generally, loss of yield in plant production was reported as measure for U toxicity in plants.…”

The natural radioactivity of the Carpathian national parks and radon evaluation

“…The origin of these dependences lies in the solubility of the chemical forms in which each radionuclide is present. Assuming that uranium isotopes are the most mobile radionuclides [13], the much higher uranium concentrations in soils probe for the deeper horizons of sampling points most probably indicate that the major supply in this point is in a soluble form and is performed by the rains. This feature is common in all protected areas.…”