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The Speciation of Uranium and Thorium at the Broubster Natural Analogue Site, Caithness, Scotland

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  26 February 2011

D. Read  and
P. J. Hooker
D. Read
Affiliation:
WS Atkins Engineering Sciences, Epsom, Surrey, KT18 5BW, UK
P. J. Hooker
Affiliation:
British Geological Survey, Keyworth, Notts, NG12 5GG, UK
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Abstract

Anomalously high concentrations of uranium, thorium and the rare earth elements (REE) are associated with peat-rich soils near Broubster, northern Scotland. The source of the anomaly has been traced to a hydrocarbon-containing mineralised zone within a uraniferous, calcareous Devonian sedimentary sequence. From there, the elements have been transported approximately 100 metres downslope and fixed within waterlogged peat deposits. The degree of concentration and fractionation accompanying actinide transport is extreme. This paper describes the results of a theoretical modelling exercise and complementary experimental study carried out to determine the chemical speciation of actinides at the Broubster site. Efforts made to identify mobilisation and retention mechanisms for uranium and thorium have led to the development of a simple model for actinide behaviour in the peat soils. The work, which forms part of an on-going programme of research into natural radionuclide migration, is primarily aimed at improving confidence in predictive models used for radiological assessment.

Type
Research Article
Information
MRS Online Proceedings Library (OPL) , Volume 127: Symposium BERLIN – Scientific Basis for Nuclear Waste Management XII , 1988 , 763
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 1989

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References

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