Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
6334798 | Applied Geochemistry | 2016 | 14 Pages |
Abstract
As- and Mo- bearing secondary mineral phases formed during the neutralization of uranium mill wastes require characterization. Previous studies indicate that arsenate and molybdate adsorbed to ferrihydrite are the dominant controls in the tailings materials. A lab-scale plant was employed to characterize secondary precipitates from a variety of ore blends. Through total elemental analysis of precipitates and As and Mo K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy, different ratios of contributing phases were determined for each pH stage (4.2, 6.5, and 9.2) of the neutralization process. Overall, arsenate adsorbed to ferrihydrite was the dominant As mineral phase regardless of pH or sample blend (53-77%), with fractional contribution from ferric arsenates, and adsorption to aluminum phases. Molybdate adsorbed to ferrihydrite was the dominant Mo mineral phase, with fractional contribution decreasing with increasing pH (100-69%). The characterization of these phases in the secondary precipitates provides further understanding of the contributing mineral species in tailing facilities.
Related Topics
Physical Sciences and Engineering
Earth and Planetary Sciences
Geochemistry and Petrology
Authors
Jocelyn Bissonnette, Joseph Essilfie-Dughan, Brett J. Moldovan, M. Jim Hendry,