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Author Liu, Z.; Tan, K.; Li, C.; Li, Y.; Zhang, C.; Song, J.; Liu, L. url  openurl
  Title Geochemical and S isotopic studies of pollutant evolution in groundwater after acid in situ leaching in a uranium mine area in Xinjiang Type Journal Article
  Year (down) 2023 Publication Nuclear Engineering and Technology Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 55 Issue 4 Pages 1476-1484  
  Keywords Acid in situ leaching of uranium, Pollution evolution, Sulfate elimination, Sulfur isotopes analysis  
  Abstract Laboratory experiments and point monitoring of reservoir sediments have proven that stable sulfate reduction (SSR) can lower the concentrations of toxic metals and sulfate in acidic groundwater for a long time. Here, we hypothesize that SSR occurred during in situ leaching after uranium mining, which can impact the fate of acid groundwater in an entire region. To test this, we applied a sulfur isotope fractionation method to analyze the mechanism for natural attenuation of contaminated groundwater produced by acid in situ leaching of uranium (Xinjiang, China). The results showed that δ34S increased over time after the cessation of uranium mining, and natural attenuation caused considerable, area-scale immobilization of sulfur corresponding to retention levels of 5.3%–48.3% while simultaneously decreasing the concentration of uranium. Isotopic evidence for SSR in the area, together with evidence for changes of pollutant concentrations, suggest that area-scale SSR is most likely also important at other acid mining sites for uranium, where retention of acid groundwater may be strengthened through natural attenuation. To recapitulate, the sulfur isotope fractionation method constitutes a relatively accurate tool for quantification of spatiotemporal trends for groundwater during migration and transformation resulting from acid in situ leaching of uranium in northern China.  
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  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1738-5733 ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ liu_geochemical_2023 Serial 192  
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Author Wang, W.; Liang, X.; Niu, Q.; Wang, Q.; Zhuo, J.; Su, X.; Zhou, G.; Zhao, L.; Yuan, W.; Chang, J.; Zheng, Y.; Pan, J.; Wang, Z.; Ji, Z. url  openurl
  Title Reformability evaluation of blasting-enhanced permeability in in situ leaching mining of low-permeability sandstone-type uranium deposits Type Journal Article
  Year (down) 2023 Publication Nuclear Engineering and Technology Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 55 Issue 8 Pages 2773-2784  
  Keywords Analytic hierarchy process-entropy method, Fuzzy mathematics method, Mechanical property, Mineral composition, Pore structure, Split Hopkinson pressure bar  
  Abstract It is essential to evaluate the blasting-enhanced permeability (BEP) feasibility of a low-permeability sandstone-type uranium deposit. In this work, the mineral composition, reservoir physical properties and rock mechanical properties of samples from sandstone-type uranium deposits were first measured. Then, the reformability evaluation method was established by the analytic hierarchy process-entropy weight method (AHP-EWM) and the fuzzy mathematics method. Finally, evaluation results were verified by the split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB) experiment and permeability test. Results show that medium sandstone, argillaceous sandstone and siltstone exhibit excellent reformability, followed by coarse sandstone and fine sandstone, while the reformability of sandy mudstone is poor and is not able to accept BEP reservoir stimulation. The permeability improvement and the distribution of damage fractures before and after the SHPB experiment confirm the correctness of evaluation results. This research provides a reformability evaluation method for the BEP of the low-permeability sandstone-type uranium deposit, which contributes to the selection of the appropriate regional and stratigraphic horizon of the BEP and the enhanced ISL of the low-permeability sandstone-type uranium deposit.  
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  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1738-5733 ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ wang_reformability_2023 Serial 194  
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Author Zhao, Y.; Li, X.; Lei, L.; Chen, L.; Luo, Z. url  openurl
  Title Permeability evolution mechanism and the optimum permeability determination of uranium leaching from low-permeability sandstone treated with low-frequency vibration Type Journal Article
  Year (down) 2023 Publication Journal of Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 15 Issue 10 Pages 2597-2610  
  Keywords Chemical reactive rate, Low-frequency vibration, Low-permeability sandstone, Optimum permeability, Permeability evolution mechanism, Uranium migration  
  Abstract Low-frequency vibrations can effectively improve natural sandstone permeability, and higher vibration frequency is associated with larger permeability. However, the optimum permeability and permeability evolution mechanism for uranium leaching and the relationship between permeability and the change of chemical reactive rate affecting uranium leaching have not been determined. To solve the above problems, in this study, identical homogeneous sandstone samples were selected to simulate low-permeability sandstone; a permeability evolution model considering the combined action of vibration stress, pore water pressure, water flow impact force, and chemical erosion was established; and vibration leaching experiments were performed to test the model accuracy. Both the permeability and chemical reactions were found to simultaneously restrict U6+ leaching, and the vibration treatment increased the permeability, causing the U6+ leaching reaction to no longer be diffusion-constrained but to be primarily controlled by the reaction rate. Changes of the model calculation parameters were further analyzed to determine the permeability evolution mechanism under the influence of vibration and chemical erosion, to prove the correctness of the mechanism according to the experimental results, and to develop a new method for determining the optimum permeability in uranium leaching. The uranium leaching was found to primarily follow a process consisting of (1) a permeability control stage, (2) achieving the optimum permeability, (3) a chemical reactive rate control stage, and (4) a channel flow stage. The resolution of these problems is of great significance for facilitating the application and promotion of low-frequency vibration in the CO2 + O2 leaching process.  
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  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1674-7755 ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ zhao_permeability_2023 Serial 198  
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Author Xie, T.; Lian, B.; Chen, C.; Qian, T.; Liu, X.; Shang, Z.; Li, T.; Wang, R.; Wang, Z.; Zhang, A.; Zhu, J. url  openurl
  Title Leaching behaviour and mechanism of U, 226Ra and 210Pb from uranium tailings at different pH conditions Type Journal Article
  Year (down) 2023 Publication Journal of Environmental Radioactivity Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 270 Issue Pages 107300  
  Keywords Leaching experiments, Pb, Ra, U, Uranium tailings  
  Abstract A large number of radionuclides remain in uranium tailings, and U, 226Ra and 210Pb leach out with water chemistry, causing potential radioactive contamination to the surrounding environment. In this paper, uranium tailings from a uranium tailings pond in southern China were collected at different depths by means of borehole sampling, mixed and homogenised, and analysed for mineral and chemical composition, microscopic morphology, U, 226Ra and 210Pb fugacity, static leaching and dynamic leaching of U, 226Ra and 210Pb in uranium tailings at different pH conditions. The variation of U, 226Ra and 210Pb concentrations in the leachate under different pH conditions with time was obtained, and the leaching mechanism was analysed. The results showed that the uranium tailings were dominated by quartz, plagioclase and other minerals, of which SiO2 and Al2O3 accounted for 65.45% and 13.32% respectively, and U, 226Ra and 210Pb were mainly present in the residue form. The results of the static leaching experiments show that pH mainly influences the leaching of U, 226Ra and 210Pb by changing their chemical forms and the particle properties of the tailings, and that the lower the pH the more favourable the leaching. The results of dynamic leaching experiments during the experimental cycle showed that the leaching concentration and cumulative release of U, 226Ra and 210Pb in the leach solution were greater at lower pH conditions than at higher pH conditions, and the leaching of U, 226Ra and 210Pb at different pH conditions was mainly from the water-soluble and exchangeable states. The present research results are of great significance for the environmental risk management and control of radioactive contamination in existing uranium tailings ponds, and are conducive to ensuring the long-term safety, stability and sustainability of uranium mining sites.  
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  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0265-931x ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ xie_leaching_2023 Serial 200  
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Author Shayakhmetov, N.M.; Alibayeva, K.A.; Kaltayev, A.; Panfilov, I. url  openurl
  Title Enhancing uranium in-situ leaching efficiency through the well reverse technique: A study of the effects of reversal time on production efficiency and cost Type Journal Article
  Year (down) 2023 Publication Hydrometallurgy Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 219 Issue Pages 106086  
  Keywords Economic evaluation, Hydrodynamic enhancement of mineral production, In-situ leaching, Mineral recovery, Optimal reversal time, Well reversing technique  
  Abstract In this study, the application of the Well Reversal Technique (WRT) and the impact of reversal time on the efficiency of uranium mining via In-Situ Leaching (ISL) were investigated. A prevalent issue in ISL mineral extraction is the formation of stagnant zones caused by limited access of the lixiviant, which leads to increased operating expenditures. The WRT, which involves altering the function of some wells from injection to production or vice versa, is a potential solution to this problem. The efficiency of WRT is heavily dependent on the well pattern and reversal time. Two commonly used well patterns in ISL are the 9-spot (row arrangement) and 7-spot (hexagonal arrangement). The objective of this study was to determine the optimal reversal time for a 9-spot well pattern through mathematical modeling of hydrodynamic and physico-chemical processes and subsequent economic assessment. A mathematical model of uranium extraction processes was developed using the principles of mass conservation, Darcy’s, and mass action laws. The results obtained for a 9-spot well pattern without reversal, with two reversal options, and a 7-spot scheme were analyzed comparatively. The 7-spot scheme without reversal was found to be the most effective of the options examined. The application of WRT on a 9-spot well pattern allows to enhance production efficiency to a level comparable to that of a 7-spot well pattern. Additionally, the effect of reversal time on recovery was studied based on two well reversal options. The results from calculation revealed that the optimal scenario was when the well reversal is conducted immediately after the time point at which the average concentration of the pregnant solution in the production wells reaches its peak value. The overall efficiency of WRT application was determined through economic calculations of capital (CAPEX) and operating (OPEX) expenditures. Based on economic calculations, it was determined that the utilization of WRT results in a 3–18% increase in mineral production efficiency for a 9-point scheme, depending on the chosen reversal method.  
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  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0304-386x ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ shayakhmetov_enhancing_2023 Serial 203  
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Author Qiu, W.; Yang, Y.; Song, J.; Que, W.; Liu, Z.; Weng, H.; Wu, J.; Wu, J. url  openurl
  Title What chemical reaction dominates the CO2 and O2 in-situ uranium leaching?: Insights from a three-dimensional multicomponent reactive transport model at the field scale Type Journal Article
  Year (down) 2023 Publication Applied Geochemistry Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 148 Issue Pages 105522  
  Keywords Carbonate minerals, In-situ leaching (ISL) of uranium, Pyrite oxidation, Reactive transport modeling (RTM)  
  Abstract The complex behavior of uranium in recovery is mostly driven by water-rock interactions following lixiviant injection into ore-bearing aquifers. Significant challenges exist in exploring the geochemical processes responsible for uranium release and mobilization. Herein this study provides an illustration of a ten-year field scale CO2 and O2 in-situ leaching (ISL) process at a typical sandstone-hosted uranium deposit in northern China. We also conducte a three-dimensional (3-D) multicomponent reactive transport model to assess the effects of potential chemical reactions on uranium recovery, in particular, to focus on the role of sulfide mineral pyrite (FeS2). Numerical simulations are performed considering three potential ISL reaction pathways to determine the relative contributions to uranium release, and the results indicate that bicarbonate promotes the oxidative dissolution of uranium-bearing minerals and further accelerates the uranium leaching in a neutral geochemical system. Moreover, the presence of FeS2 exerts a strong competitive role in the uranium-bearing mineral dissolution by increasing oxygen consumption, favoring the formation of iron oxyhydroxide, and therefore causing an associated decrease in uranium recovery rates. The simulation model demonstrates that dissolution of carbonate neutralizes acidic water generated from pyrite oxidation and aqueous CO2 dissociation. In addition, the cation concentrations (i.e., Ca and Mg) are increasing in the pregnant solutions, showing that the recycling of lixiviants and kinetic dissolution of carbonate generates a larger number of dissolved Ca and Mg and inevitably triggers the secondary dolomite mineral precipitation. The findings improve our fundamental understanding of the geochemical processes in a long-term uranium ISL system and provide important environmental implications for the optimal design of uranium recovery, remediation, and risk exposure assessment.  
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  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0883-2927 ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ qiu_what_2023 Serial 207  
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Author Wang, B.; Luo, Y.; Qian, J.-zhong; Liu, J.-hui; Li, X.; Zhang, Y.-hong; Chen, Q.-qian; Li, L.-yao; Liang, D.-ye; Huang, J. url  openurl
  Title Machine learning–based optimal design of the in-situ leaching process parameter (ISLPP) for the acid in-situ leaching of uranium Type Journal Article
  Year (down) 2023 Publication Journal of Hydrology Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 626 Issue Pages 130234  
  Keywords In-situ leaching, Injection rate design, Lixiviant concentration design, Machine learning, Simulation-optimisation, Uncertainty  
  Abstract The migration process of leached uranium in the in-situ leaching of uranium is considered a typical reactive transport problem. During this process, the lixiviant concentration and injection rate are important in-situ leaching process parameters (ISLPP) to efficiently recover uranium. However, several uncertain factors affect the outcomes of the ISLPP design. In addition, the repeated use of the reactive transport model (RTM) for investigating the acid in-situ leaching of uranium with the application of the Monte Carlo method leads to a substantial computational load. For this reason, a machine learning (ML)–based surrogate model was developed with the backpropagation neural network (BPNN) method to replace the RTM under the condition of uncertain parameters. Moreover, the simulated annealing optimisation model for ISLPP was created based on the proposed surrogate model. The optimal ISLPP was achieved that generated maximum profits from uranium recovery under different lixiviant prices, uranium prices and exploitation times. The optimal design framework of ISLPP based on the proposed ML algorithm was then applied in the Bayan-Uul sandstone-type uranium deposit in Inner Mongolia, China. From our analysis, it was demonstrated that the ML-based surrogate model exhibited great fitness with the RTM. The optimal results of the ISLPP indicated that the lixiviant concentration and injection rate could be adjusted based on the fluctuations in lixiviant price, uranium price and exploitation time. If the prices of sulphuric acid were high, a specific concentration of hydrogen peroxide could be injected into the injection well to promote the oxidation and dissolution of the uranium ore to increase the income from the uranium recovery. The optimisation model can also use the ISLPP scheme to boost the revenues from different lixiviant prices, uranium prices and exploitation times under the uncertainty of porosity, illustrating the applicability of the ML-based optimal design method of ISLPP in ISL mining. A general framework for developing surrogate models, as well as for conducting uncertainty analyses for a wide range of groundwater models was proposed here yielding valuable insights.  
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  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0022-1694 ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ wang_machine_2023 Serial 210  
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Author Zeng, S.; Song, J.; Sun, B.; Wang, F.; Ye, W.; Shen, Y.; Li, H. url  openurl
  Title Seepage characteristics of the leaching solution during in situ leaching of uranium Type Journal Article
  Year (down) 2023 Publication Nuclear Engineering and Technology Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 55 Issue 2 Pages 566-574  
  Keywords In situ leaching, Leaching solution viscosity, Seepage characteristics, Seepage pressure, Uranium-bearing sandstone  
  Abstract Investigating the seepage characteristics of the leaching solution in the ore-bearing layer during the in situ leaching process can be useful for designing the process parameters for the uranium mining well. We prepared leaching solutions of four different viscosities and conducted experiments using a self-developed multifunctional uranium ore seepage test device. The effects of different viscosities of leaching solutions on the seepage characteristics of uranium-bearing sandstones were examined using seepage mechanics, physicochemical seepage theory, and dissolution erosion mechanism. Results indicated that while the seepage characteristics of various viscosities of leaching solutions were the same in rock samples with similar internal pore architectures, there were regular differences between the saturated and the unsaturated stages. In addition, the time required for the specimen to reach saturation varied with the viscosity of the leaching solution. The higher the viscosity of the solution, the slower the seepage flow from the unsaturated stage to the saturated stage. Furthermore, during the saturation stage, the seepage pressure of a leaching solution with a high viscosity was greater than that of a leaching solution with a low viscosity. However, the permeability coefficient of the high viscosity leaching solution was less than that of a low viscosity leaching solution.  
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  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1738-5733 ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ zeng_seepage_2023 Serial 211  
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Author Li, J.; Pang, Z.; Liu, Y.; Hu, S.; Jiang, W.; Tian, L.; Yang, G.; Jiang, Y.; Jiao, X.; Tian, J. url  openurl
  Title Changes in groundwater dynamics and geochemical evolution induced by drainage reorganization: Evidence from 81Kr and 36Cl dating of geothermal water in the Weihe Basin of China Type Journal Article
  Year (down) 2023 Publication Earth and Planetary Science Letters Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 623 Issue Pages 118425  
  Keywords Kr dating, Cl dating, Geothermal water, Groundwater dynamics, Weihe basin  
  Abstract 81Kr and 36Cl can both be used to date groundwater beyond the dating range of 14C. 81Kr usually provides reliable groundwater ages because it has uniform initial distribution and negligible subsurface generation, while 36Cl is commonly influenced by subsurface sources or “dead” chloride dissolution. Therefore, the combined use of 81Kr and 36Cl could provide clues on the evolution history of groundwater. In the present study, we performed 36Cl and 81Kr dating of geothermal water in Weihe Basin of China and interpreted the possible cause of disagreement. Two distinct water masses were identified with distinctive isotopic signals: groundwater with significant δ18O shifts (up to −2.0‰), dissolved dead Cl and ages < 1.0 Ma (Cluster A), and older water with little δ18O shifts, negligible dissolved Cl and ages >1.0 Ma (Cluster B). The results confirm the eastward flow path of Cluster B to the Ancient Sanmen Lake with an increasing trend of Cl concentration and age. Modern recharge from the mountains flows to the basin center with intense interaction between water and carbonate under respective reservoir temperatures (100 ∼ 130 °C). These waters flow through the saline stratum emerging from the spillover of the Ancient Sanmen Lake, resulting in higher dead Cl dissolution. A significant linear relationship is observed with the older end-member of ∼1.3Ma under the topographically-driven faster circulation effect. 81Kr ages seem to support the hypothesis that the birth of the modern Yellow River was at about 1.0–1.3 Ma. We inferred the drainage reorganization from the Ancient Sanmen Lake to the modern Yellow River since the Mid-Pleistocene Transition induced the change in groundwater dynamics as well as its chemical evolution. The excavation of the Ancient Sanmen Lake and the accentuated incision of the Weihe River induced groundwater gradient, and therefore the recharge from precipitation from both slopes of the Qinling Mountains in the south and the Beishan Mountains in the north. Our results highlight the effects of dead Cl on 36Cl dating and demonstrate the significant impact of catchment reorganization on groundwater dynamics and its chemistry.  
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  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0012-821x ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ Li2023118425 Serial 212  
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Author Musy, S.; Purtschert, R. url  openurl
  Title Reviewing 39Ar and 37Ar underground production in shallow depths with implications for groundwater dating Type Journal Article
  Year (down) 2023 Publication Science of The Total Environment Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 884 Issue Pages 163868  
  Keywords Subsurface production, Argon-39, Argon-37, Muons, Isotope hydrology, Tracers  
  Abstract Argon-37 (37Ar) and Argon-39 (39Ar) are used for groundwater dating on timescales from weeks to centuries. For both isotopes, the quantification of underground sources is essential to accurately infer water residence times from sampled dissolved activities. Subsurface production resulting from interactions with neutrons from the natural radioactivity in rocks and with primary cosmogenic neutrons has been known for a long time. More recently, the capture of slow negative muons and reactions with muon-induced neutrons were documented for 39Ar subsurface production in the context of underground particle detectors (e.g. for Dark Matter research). However, the contribution from these particles was never considered for groundwater dating applications. Here, we reevaluate the importance of all potential depth-related production channels at depth ranges relevant for 39Ar groundwater dating [0 − 200 meters below the surface (m.b.s)]. The production of radioargon by muon-induced processes is considered in this depth range for the first time. The uncertainty on the total depth-dependent production rate is estimated with Monte Carlo simulations assuming a uniform distribution of the parameter uncertainties. This work aims to provide a comprehensive framework for interpreting 39Ar activities in terms of groundwater residence times and for exposure age dating of rocks. The production of 37Ar is also addressed since this isotope is relevant as a proxy for 39Ar production, for the timing of river-groundwater exchanges, and in the context of on-site inspections (OSI) within the verification framework of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). In this perspective, we provide an interactive web-based application for the calculation of 37Ar and 39Ar production rates in rocks.  
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  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0048-9697 ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ Musy2023163868 Serial 217  
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