Uranium in Groundwater: Chemical Behavior and Treatment

Abstract

Uranium can occur naturally in groundwater or it can be present as a result of processing for nuclear reactors, nuclear weapons, and other uses. Uranium can occur in nature in four oxidation states, and environmental redox conditions can affect uranium fate and transport in groundwater. Although uranium is radioactive and can cause cancer, its primary toxic effect when consumed in water is that of a heavy metal. This article outlines the occurrence, distribution, redox chemistry, and fate and transport of uranium in groundwater. The article also introduces a variety of methods for uranium groundwater remediation.