Estimation of distribution coefficient of natural radionuclides in soil around uranium mines and its effect with ionic strength of water.

The distribution coefficient, K(d) in soil is an important parameter to predict the migration of contaminants. In this study, uranium (U) and its decay products thorium (Th), radium (Ra), bismuth (Bi), lead (Pb) and polonium (Po), which may contaminate the soil and ground water around uranium mining areas, have been considered. Soil and ground water samples were collected from a proposed uranium mining site in India. The soil samples were characterised for different parameters affecting the K(d) values. The batch sorption method was employed to measure the K(d) of different radionuclides. The important factors affecting the batch method for K(d) estimation were identified and optimised. The variation of K(d) was observed with different ionic strength water samples. Results showed high K(d) values for Th(IV), Po(IV) and Pb(II) (log K(d) ∼4) and low K(d) (log K(d) ∼2-3) for U(VI), Ra(II) and Bi(III) in all three types of water with different ionic strength.