Sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) frequently occur in the deep granitic rock aquifers at the Äspö Hard Rock Laboratory (Äspö HRL), Sweden. The new SRB strain Desulfovibrio äspöensis could be iso-lated. The objective of this project was to explore the basic interaction mechanisms of uranium, curium, neptunium and plutonium with cells of D. äspöensis DSM 10631T. The cells of D. äspöensis were successfully cultivated under anaerobic conditions as well in an optimized bicarbonate-buffered mineral medium as on solid medium at 22 °C. To study the interaction of D. äspöensis with the actinides, the cells were grown to the mid-exponential phase (four days). The collected biomass was usually 1.0±0.2 gdry weight/L. The purity of the used bacterial cultures was verified using microscopic techniques and by applying the Amplified Ribosomal DNA Restriction Enzyme Analysis (ARDREA). The interaction experiments with the actinides showed that the cells are able to remove all four actinides from the surrounding solution. The amount of removed actinide and the interaction mechanism varied among the different actinides. The main U(VI) removal occurred after the first 24 h. The contact time, pH and [U(VI)]initial influence the U removal efficiency. The presence of uranium caused a damaging of the cell membranes. TEM revealed an accumulation of U inside the bacterial cell. D. äspöensis are able to form U(IV). A complex interaction mechanism takes place consisting of biosorption, bioreduction and bioaccumulation. Neptunium interacts in a similar way. The experimental findings are indicating a stronger interaction with uranium compared to neptunium. The results obtained with 242Pu indicate the ability of the cells of D. äspöensis to accumulate and to reduce Pu(VI) from a solution containing Pu(VI) and Pu(IV)-polymers. In the case of curium at a much lower metal concentration of 3x10-7 M, a pure biosorption of Cm(III) on the cell envelope forming an inner-sphere surface complex most likely with organic phosphate groups was detected. To summarize, the strength of the interaction of D. äspöensis with the selected actinides at pH 5 and actinide concentrations ≥10 mg/L ([Cm] 0.07 mg/L) follows the pattern: Cm > U > Pu >> Np.

The report summarizes the results obtained by the Institute of Resource Ecology of the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf within the BMWi-financed Joint Research Project “Geochemical retention of radionuclides on cement alteration phases (GRaZ)”. The project focused on the retention behavior of Ca-bentonite and cementitious material, both constituents of the geo-engineered barrier of deep geological repositories for high-level radioactive waste, towards radionuclides. Specifically, the influence of increased salinities and of hyperalkaline conditions on interaction processes in the system radionuclides – organics – clay/cementitious materials – aquifer was studied. For this purpose, complexation, sorption and desorption studies were performed at alkaline to hyperalkaline pH conditions (pH 8-13) and under variation of the ionic strength (0.1 to 4 M) applying complex solution compositions. For the U(VI) citrate system molecular structures dominating in the pH range 2-9 were studied spectroscopically (NMR, UV-Vis, FT-IR). As dominating species 2:2, 3:3, 3:2 and, above critical concentrations also 6:6 and 9:6 U(VI) citrate complexes were identified or confirmed and complex formation constants were determined. U(VI) sorption on Ca-bentonite at (hyper)alkaline conditions in mixed electrolyte solutions was studied by means of batch sorption experiments. The U(VI) retention on Ca-bentonite was shown to be very effective at pH>10, even in the presence of carbonate and despite the prevalence of anionic aqueous uranyl species. The presence of two independent U(VI) surface complexes on Ca-bentonite at pH 8-13 was shown by site-selective TRLFS and EXAFS spectroscopy. The sorption of anionic uranyl hydroxide complexes to the mineral surface was shown to be mediated by calcium cations. In further experiments, the effect of isosaccharinic acid (ISA) and polycarboxylate ether (PCE) on U(VI) and Eu(III) sorption, respectively, on Ca-bentonite was studied. An effect of ISA on U(VI) sorption on Ca-bentonite only occurs when ISA is present in very high excess to U(VI). The effect of PCE, as a commercial cement superplasticizer, on Eu(III) sorption onto Ca-bentonite was negligible already at moderate ionic strengths. The retention of U(VI) and Cm(III) by various C-(A-)S-H phases, representing different alteration stages of concrete, was studied by batch sorption experiments. Sorbed or incorporated actinide species were identified by TRLFS. The stability of U(VI) and Cm(III) doped C-(A-)S-H phases at high ionic strengths conditions was studied in solutions simulating the contact with North German claystone formation water. Potential changes of actinide speciation as well as formation of secondary phases due to leaching effects were followed spectroscopically. The results of this project show that both bentonite and cementitious material constitute an important retention barrier for actinides under hyperalkaline conditions and increased ionic strength.

No description available.

Cette thèse présente une analyse approfondie et comparative des résultats de mesures µ-XRD et µ-XAS sur des combustibles UO2 standard, dopé au sesquioxyde de chrome (Cr2O3) et MOX, irradiés ou non. Elle présente également l'interprétation des résultats en regard des effets induits par le chrome en tant que dopant ainsi que par la présence de plusieurs produits de fission. Les paramètres de maille de l’UO2 et les paramètres de densité d'énergie de déformation élastique dans les matériaux irradiés ou non ont été mesurés et quantifiés. Les données de µ-XRD ont en outre permis l'évaluation de la taille des domaines cristallins, ainsi que l’étude de la formation de sous-grains à différentes positions au sein des pastilles de combustibles irradiés. Le paramètre de maille et l'environnement atomique local du chrome dans des précipités d’oxyde de chrome présents dans les pastilles de combustible non-irradié ont également été déterminés. La structure locale du Cr dans la matrice du combustible dopé et l'influence de l'irradiation sur l'état du chrome dans la matrice de combustible ont été étudiées. Enfin, pour une comparaison du comportement des gaz de fission et du phénomène de re-solution induite par l'irradiation dans l’UO2 standard ou dopé, la dernière partie de ce travail propose une tentative d'analyse de l’environnement atomique du Kr dans ces deux combustibles irradiés. Le travail effectué par micro-faisceau XAS sur ce gaz de fission a permis la détermination des distances du Kr avec ses proches voisins, une estimation des densités atomiques des gaz de fission dans les agrégats et des pressions internes apparentes dans ces nano-phases de gaz inertes. / This thesis work reports in depth analyses of measured µ-XRD and µ-XAS data from standard UO2, chromia (Cr2O3) doped UO2 and MOX fuels, and interpretation of the results considering the role of chromium as a dopant as well as several fission product elements. The lattice parameters of UO2 in fresh and irradiated samples and elastic strain energy densities in the irradiated UO2 samples have been measured and quantified. The µ-XRD patterns have further allowed the evaluation of the crystalline domain size and sub-grain formation at different locations of the irradiated fuel pellets. Attempts have been made to determine lattice parameter and next neighbor atomic environment in chromia-precipitates found in fresh chromia-doped fuel pellets. The local structure around Cr in as-fabricated chromia-doped UO2 matrix and the influence of irradiation on the state of chromium in irradiated fuel matrix have been addressed. Finally, for a comparative understanding of fission gases behavior and irradiation induced re-solution phenomenon in standard and chromia-doped UO2, the last part of the present work tries to clarify the fission gas Kr atomic environment in these irradiated fuels. The work performed on Kr, by micro-beam XAS, comprises the determination of Kr next neighbor distances, an estimation of gas atom densities in the aggregates, and apparent internal pressures in the gas bubbles.

See file appended.

Dans le domaine des couches minces (épaisseur~Å) associant un métal magnétique (Fe, Co, Ni) et un élément non magnétique (essentiellement métallique ou isolant), de remarquables propriétés physiques (aimantation, transport) nécessitent des caractérisations structurales fines. En particulier, citons le cas de jonctions tunnel (métal/isolant/métal) à aimantation perpendiculaire qui sont en cours d'étude au laboratoire Spintec (UMR8191 (CEA/CNRS/UJF). Ces nanomatériaux sont déposés par voie physique (pulvérisation cathodique) au sein de ce laboratoire. Ces nanostructures sont également sondées par diffraction aux rayons X au sein de l'Institut Néel (UPR 2940) via une collaboration entre Spintec et une équipe de cet Institut (Surface, interfaces et nanostructures du Département MCMF, Matière Condensée, Matériaux, et Fonctions). Ces mesures de réflectivité X constituent la sonde privilégiée de choix dans la cadre de cette thèse. D'autres voies sont également exploitées: à l'aide des moyens de rayonnement synchrotron tels que la spectroscopie d'absorption de rayons X : EXAFS, XANES et XMCD. La thèse aura pour but d'étudier expérimentalement ces phénomènes en couches continues sur ces empilements à jonction tunnel avec aimantation perpendiculaire. Plus précisément, le travail de thèse permettra de comprendre les mesures magnétiques (effectuées à l'institut Néel notamment par magnétométrie SQUID et HALL à basse température) grâce à une batterie de mesures structurales (diffraction aux rayons X, rasant, figures de pôles, réflectivité, absorption X …). Notamment, l'influence des paramètres de dépôt (types de couches, épaisseurs, recuits) du matériau sont étudiées via la collaboration entre les différents groupes de recherche précédemment cités. Cette thématique s'inscrit d'une part dans le cadre de travaux menés à Spintec et dédiés à la recherche de nouveaux matériaux à forte valeur ajoutée industrielle (sur le stockage d'information à ultrahaute densité sur media discrets par exemple). Elle s'inscrit d'autre part dans le renforcement de liens entre recherches fondamentales (laboratoire propre du CNRS comme l'institut Néel) et appliquées (CEA), avec un recours aux solides compétences en caractérisations structurales et magnétiques de l'Institut Néel. / In the domain of thin film (thickness ~ Å) combining a magnetic metal (Fe, Co, Ni) and a non-magnetic (largely metal or insulator), remarkable physical properties (magnetization, transport) require fine structural characterization. In particular, include the case of tunnel junctions (metal / insulator / metal) with perpendicular magnetization which are being studied in the laboratory Spintec (UMR8191 (CEA / CNRS / UJF). These nanomaterials are deposited by physical (sputtering) in this laboratory. These nanostructures are probed by X-ray diffraction in the Neel Institute (UPR 2940) via collaboration between Spintec and a team of the Institute (Surface, Interfaces and Nanostructures Department MCFP, Condensed Matter Materials and Functions). These reflectivity measurements X are the preferred sensor of choice in the context of this thesis. Other routes are also used: using means such as synchrotron radiation absorption spectroscopy X-ray: EXAFS, XANES and XMCD. The thesis will aim to study these phenomena experimentally in continuous layers on the tunnel junction stacks with perpendicular magnetization. Specifically, the thesis will include the magnetic measurements (performed at the Institut Néel SQUID magnetometry including HALL and low temperature) through a battery of structural. This theme is part of a share in the context of work carried Spintec and dedicated to research of new materials with high added value industries (information storage on ultra-high density of discrete media for example). It registers on the other hand in strengthening links between basic research (CNRS own laboratories as Neel Institute) and applied (ECA), with strong skills in use of structural and magnetic characterization of the Institute Neel.

Depuis au moins 2000 ans, le massif des Vosges a été le siège d’activités minières qui ont conduit (i) à l’émission de particules contaminées en éléments traces métalliques (ETMs), (ii) aux dépôts de déchets miniers et sidérurgiques et (iii) à des modifications du paysage. Les ressources présentes dans ce système de moyenne montagne, et utilisées par les populations, rendent nécessaire la mesure des impacts des activités anthropiques passées sur l’écosystème forestier.Ce travail de thèse propose une approche multi-proxy couplant géochimie, palynologie et écotoxicologie. Différentes phases de dépôts en ETMs ont été retracées sur les 2000 dernières années et regroupent celles connues à l’échelle de l’hémisphère Nord et des phases plus locales. L’impact paysager des activités minières semble quant à lui réduit par rapport à ce que laissaient penser les archives historiques qui présentaient des déserts forestiers dus aux activités minières. La biodisponibilité et le risque associés au transfert des ETMs ont été évalués dans un ancien district minier de production de plomb (Pb) et d’argent grâce à une campagne de bioindication active avec un indicateur de la qualité des sols, Cantareus aspersus. Sur huit stations, quatre présentent des excès de transfert induisant un risque toxicologique élevé et comprennent deux sites archéologiques miniers et un potager communal. Le fractionnement et la spéciation du Pb permettent de montrer une pratique à risque avec l’utilisation de scories comme amendements sur le potager. La contamination du milieu en ETMs par les activités minières est ici toujours transférable aux organismes du sol et donc potentiellement dans le réseau trophique / Since at least the last two millennia, mining and smelting activities have occurred in the Vosges Mountains and conducted to (i) the emission of trace metal (TM) contaminated particles in the atmosphere, (ii) the presence of mining and smelting wastes and (iii) landscape changes. Due to the use of resources from this mountainous area by local populations, it is necessary to measure impacts of these past activities on the forested ecosystem.This PhD thesis proposes a multi-proxy approach coupling geochemistry, palynology and ecotoxicology. Several phases of TM deposits have been recorded and correspond to major phases of TM contamination known in the northern hemisphere and also local periods of mining/smelting activities. The impact of mining activities on the landscape appears to be reduced contrary to historical data that described shortage of wood due to mining activities. The bioavailability and the risk associated to TMs from mining activities have been assessed in a former lead (Pb)-silver mining district by an active bioindication campaign using Cantareus aspersus, considered as indicator of soil quality. Among the eight stations, four of them present an excess of TM transfer conducting to a high ecological risk, particularly in two archaeological mining sites but also in a kitchen garden. Lead fractionation and speciation highlight the use of slags as amendments in the kitchen garden. Trace metal contamination of the soil due to mining activities is still bioavailable for soil organisms and so potentially transferred in food chain.

Ce travail de thèse a porté sur l’élaboration de nanomatériaux hybrides de type nano-câbles fonctionnels, composés de polymères covalents et de molécules auto-assemblées. L’approche «bottom-up» adoptée repose sur des processus uniquement physiques, à savoir la nucléation hétérogène, la cristallisation et la gélification thermo réversible. Deux systèmes hybrides ont été élaborés et étudiés: le premier est composé de molécules de tetra-2-éthylhexanoate de bicuivre (CuS8) auto-assemblées en filaments, lesquels sont encapsulés au sein des fibrilles de polystyrène isotactique (iPS). Nous avons montré au travers de différentes études (DSC, DNPA,SQUID, EXAFS et IR-TF) que leur encapsulation permet non seulement de les stabiliser mais également de modifier leur comportement antiferromagnétique. Le deuxième système a consisté à des fibrilles de poly(alkylthiophène)s (P3AT), emmaillotées au moyen de molécules diamides (BHPB-10) capables de s'assembler en nanotubes. En plus des études de la morphologie et de la structuration par TEM et UV-Vis,nous avons étudié les propriétés de conductivité du système hybride P3BT/BHPB-10 en C-AFM. Nous avons montré qu’il est effectivement possible de réaliser des nano-câbles semi-conducteur gainés. / This thesis deals with new hybrid nanomaterials of functional nanocable-like structures, consisting of covalent polymers and self-assembled molecules. The «bottom-up» approach adopted for the elaboration is based only on physical processes such as heterogeneous nucleation, crystallization and thermoreversible gelation. This original approach allowed us to easily prepare two functional nanocables: the first consisted of bicopper tetra-2-ethylhexanoate (CuS8) molecules self-assembled on filaments which are encapsulated within isotactic polystyrene (iPS) fibrils. We proved throughout different studies (DSC, SANS, SQUID, EXAFS and FT-IR) that the encapsulation allows one to get stable filaments, and particularly to modify their antiferromagnetic behavior as well. The second system constituted of poly(alkylthiophene)s fibrilles (P3AT), sheathed by diamides molecules (BHPB-10) self-assembled on nanotubes. Besides the morphological and the structuration studies (TEM and UV-Vis), we investigated the conductivity of the hybrid system P3BT/BHPB-10 by C-AFM. Results showed the possibility to obtain sheathed semi-conducting nano-cables.

The potential of Arctica islandica, a long lived marine bivalve with a lifespan of over 300 years, to reconstruct a high resolution (sub-annual) climate record is explored in this thesis. Fluctuations in trace element and isotopic data from live-collected specimens from Irvine Bay, NW Scotland are compared to instrumental (particularly temperature) data. X-ray absorption spectroscopy data demonstrate the coordination state of Sr and Mg within the shell. These are consistent with models in which Sr substitutes ideally for Ca in aragonite, and Mg is bound predominantly to organic molecules. Sr/Ca incorporation may be influenced by changes in the crystal nucleation, propagation and growth rate as well as vital effects. However any effect of seawater temperature on Sr/Ca incorporation was obscured by these other factors. Mg concentration is not a linear function of a single environmental variable or organic content within the shell, indicating that Mg uptake is biologically mediated. Ba variation shows sporadic increases (of >500% above baseline) in both shells, the timing of which is similar between the prismatic layer and umbo region. The maxima are, however, not synchronous between the two shells analysed. The controls on Ba uptake require further research, but low Ba/Ca may reflect Ba/Ca concentrations within the seawater. Aliquots taken from cod otoliths show that micromilling has negligible effect on δ¹⁸O. The range of reconstructed temperature from δ¹⁸O profiles Arctica islandica shows good agreement with the sea surface temperature data from the nearby Millport marine station to within 2.1 °C. However, both the interannual and intra-annual variation appears to be sensitive to changes in temporal resolution resulting from changes in growth rates. Modelling of δ¹⁸O highlights dependence on changes in temporal resolution of the sampling, in addition to temperature and salinity. Results from the radiocarbon pilot study show that Arctica islandica is a suitable archive for changes in radiocarbon associated with anthropogenic ¹⁴C fluxes.

This thesis is a summary of five papers with focus on adsorption processes of various monocarboxylates and aminocarboxylates at the water/goethite interface. Interaction of organic acids at the water/mineral interfaces are of importance in biogeochemical processes, since such processes have potential to alter mobility and bioavailability of the acids and metal ions. In order to determine the coordination chemistry of acetate, benzoate, cyclohexanecarboxylate, sarcosine, MIDA (methyliminediacetic acid), EDDA (ethylenediamine-N,N’-diacetic acid) and EDTA (ethylenediamine-N,N’-tetraacetic acid) upon adsorption to the goethite (alpha-FeOOH) surface, a combination of quantitative measurements with attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) was utilized. Over the pH range studied here (pH 3- 9) all ligands, except for sarcosine, have been found to form surface complexes with goethite. In general, theses were characterized as outer sphere surface complexes i.e. with no direct interaction with surface Fe(III) metal ions. Furthermore, two types of different outer-sphere complexes were identified, the solvent-surface hydration-separated ion pair, and hydration-shared ion pair. For the monocarboxylate surface complexes distinction between these two could be made. At high pH values the solvent-surface hydration-separated ion pair was the predominating complex, while at low pH the surface complex is stabilized through the formation of strong hydrogen bonds with the goethite surface. However, it was not possible to clearly separate between the two outer-sphere complexes for coordination of the aminocarboxylates with the surface of goethite. Additionally, EDDA also formed an inner-sphere surface complex at high pH values. The EDDA molecule was suggested to coordinate to the surface by forming a five membered ring with an iron at the goethite surface, through the amine and carboxylate groups. Contrary to the other ligands studied, EDTA significantly induced dissolution of goethite. Some of the dissolved iron, in the form of the highly stable FeEDTA- solution complex, was indicated to re-adsorb to the mineral surface as a ternary complex. Similar ternary surface complexes were also found in the Ga(III)EDTA/goethite system, and quantitative and spectroscopic studies on adsorption of Ga(III) in presence and absence of EDTA showed that EDTA considerably effects speciation of gallium at goethite surface. The collective results in this thesis show that the affinity of these ligands for the surface of goethite is primarily governed by their chemical composition and structure, and especially important are the types, numbers and relative position of functional groups within the molecular structure.