title: The application of iron-based technologies in uranium remediation: A review.
abstract: Remediating uranium contamination is of worldwide interest because of the increasing release of uranium from mining and processing, nuclear power leaks, depleted uranium components in weapons production and disposal, and phosphate fertilizer in agriculture activities. Iron-based technologies are attractive because they are highly efficient, inexpensive, and readily available. This paper provides an overview of the current literature that addresses the application of iron-based technologies in the remediation of sites with elevated uranium levels. The application of iron-based materials, the current remediation technologies and mechanisms, and the effectiveness and environmental safety considerations of these approaches were discussed. Because uranium can be reduced and reoxidized in the environment, the review also proposes strategies for long-term in situ remediation of uranium. Unfortunately, iron-based materials (nanoscale zerovalent iron and iron oxides) can be toxic to microorganisms. As such, further studies exploring the links among the fates, ecological impacts, and other environmentally relevant factors are needed to better understand the constraints on using iron-based technologies for remediation.
authors.affiliation: College of Resources and Environment, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, PR China.
authors.forename: Anwei
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.affiliation: College of Resources and Environment, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, PR China.
authors.forename: Cui
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Shang
authors.affiliation: College of Resources and Environment, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, PR China. Electronic address: sjihai@yahoo.com.
authors.forename: Jihai
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Shao
authors.affiliation: College of Resources and Environment, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, PR China.
authors.forename: Jiachao
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.affiliation: College of Resources and Environment, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, PR China.
authors.forename: Hongli
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Huang
keywords: Immobilization; Iron-based material; Reduction; Remediation; Uranium