Uranium in the environment: a characterization and comparison of uranium mobility in ancient and modern sediments

Abstract

The behavior of U in near surface sedimentary environments has changed throughout geologic time. There is a marked shift in U (IV) mineral stability and deposit style at approximately 2200 Ma due to changes in the concentration of O in the atmosphere. For example, prior to 2200 Ma, fluvial U deposits could form and U(IV) were stable in surface and near-surface environments. In modern, anthropogenic sedimentary systems such as U tailings, U (IV) minerals are not stable and readily oxidize to U (VI) minerals. In addition, U is much more mobile in modern sediments relative sediments that were deposited prior to 2200 Ma.