Humic colloid-borne Np migration: influence of the oxidation state

Abstract

The migration behavior of Np(IV/V) is investigated by column experiments using a sandy sediment with groundwater rich in humic substances. NIR spectroscopy, redox speciation by TTA extraction and ultrafiltration are used for the Np speciation in the groundwater prior to its introduction into the column and after elution. Np is found to be transported as humic colloid-bound species which are eluted slightly faster than the water flow velocity. The fraction of humic colloid-borne Np increases with the reduction progress of Np(V) to Np(IV), because the interaction of Np(IV) with humic substances is much stronger than Np(V). The results demonstrate the importance of the speciation of redox sensitive actinides in natural aquifers for the assessment of the humic colloid facilitated migration.