Uranium (U) is a key contaminant at the Hanford site. The formation of uranyl-phosphate bearing minerals such as autunite as a result of tripoliphosphate injections has been used as a U immobilization strategy. Bacteria are known as key factors governing the fate and transport of soil contaminants. This research evaluated the interaction of facultative bacteria Shewanella Oneidensis MR-1 with autunite mineral in bicarbonate-amended media solutions. The concentration of several elements such as U, calcium (Ca) and phosphorous (P) released as a result of autunite mineral biodissolution were determined as a function of time; changes in cell density and protein assay were performed to evaluate cells viability. Results suggested that higher bicarbonate concentrations increased aqueous U, Ca and P concentrations while also allowing cells to withstand U toxicity and, additionally suggested the possibility of secondary minerals formation. This research provides a better understanding on the stability of uranyl phosphate minerals in the presence of facultative bacteria in bicarbonate-amended media solutions.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:fiu.edu/oai:digitalcommons.fiu.edu:etd-3698 |
| Date | 01 April 2016 |
| Creators | Herrera Landaez, Sandra C. |
| Publisher | FIU Digital Commons |
| Source Sets | Florida International University |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | text |
| Format | application/pdf |
| Source | FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations |
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