Behaviour of (99)Tc in aqueous solutions in the presence of iron oxides and microorganisms

Appl Radiat Isot. 2014 Jul:89:85-94. doi: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2014.02.020. Epub 2014 Feb 25.

Abstract

A set of experiments was performed to determine the factors that influence TcO4(-) interaction with Fe-bearing minerals and to explore the effect of microbial activity on the behaviour of Tc(VII) in solution, in the presence of iron oxides under oxidizing medium. Gradual sorption of TcO4(-) (aq) onto wustite/magnetite was observed under alkaline conditions (pH 8-9). No pronounced effect of TcO4(-) (aq) interaction with hematite was observed in the investigating alkaline systems. At low pH values (2.7-4.5), TcO4(-) retention on hematite increases, suggesting that the process is dependent on pH. Sorption of (99)Tc (VII) onto hematite at pH 7.6-8.0 was achieved because of the presence of specific microorganisms.

Keywords: Hematite; Microorganism; Technetium; Wustite/magnetite.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adsorption
  • Bacteria / chemistry
  • Bacteria / radiation effects
  • Ferric Compounds / chemistry*
  • Fungi / chemistry
  • Fungi / radiation effects
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • Scintillation Counting
  • Sodium Pertechnetate Tc 99m / chemistry*
  • Sodium Pertechnetate Tc 99m / metabolism
  • Soil Microbiology*
  • Soil Pollutants, Radioactive / chemistry*

Substances

  • Ferric Compounds
  • Soil Pollutants, Radioactive
  • ferric oxide
  • Sodium Pertechnetate Tc 99m