SREL Reprint #3314

Phosphate-Uranium Interactions in Soils

John C. Seaman, Shea W. Buettner, and Hyun-shik Chang

Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, Aiken, SC 29802, USA

Introduction: In recent years, much of the interest in trace metal–phosphate interactions in soils has been driven by the desire to utilize apatite (Ca5(PO4)3X (X = halide, hydroxyl) and other phosphate (PO43-)-containing materials as remediating agents for the in situ immobilization of contaminant metals and trace elements, especially lead (Pb) (e.g., Ma and Rao 1997; Ma et al. 1994, 1995). Phosphate-containing materials have also been evaluated as remediating agents for the in situ immobilization of radiological soil contaminants, including uranium (U) and other actinides (Arey et al. 1999; Bostick et al. 2000; Chattanathan et al. 2013; Fuller et al. 2002, 2003; Jensen et al. 1996; Majs 2011; Nash et al. 1997, 1998a; Rui et al. 2013; Seaman et al. 2001a, 2003; Wellman et al. 2008). The primary objective of this chapter is to provide an updated review of the dynamic processes controlling the interaction of U and phosphorus (P) in contaminated soils in an effort to improve our ability to effectively manage such sites in a manner that is environmentally protective.

SREL Reprint #3314

Seaman, J. C., S. W. Buettner, and H. Chang. 2015. Chapter 3. Phosphate-Uranium Interactions in Soils. pp. 59-96 In: H. M. Selim (Ed.). Phosphate in Soils - Interaction with Micronutrients, Radionuclides and Heavy Metals. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL.

This information was provided by the University of Georgia's Savannah River Ecology Laboratory (srel.uga.edu).