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Modeling the Removal of (U[VI]) From Aqueous Solutions in the Presence of Sulfate-Reducing Bacteria

EPA Grant Number: U914935
Title: Modeling the Removal of (U[VI]) From Aqueous Solutions in the Presence of Sulfate-Reducing Bacteria
Investigators: Spear, John R.
Institution: Colorado School of Mines
EPA Project Officer: Thompson, Delores
Project Period: January 1, 1996 through January 1, 1999
Project Amount: $102,000
RFA: STAR Graduate Fellowships (1996)
Research Category: Fellowship - Environmental Engineering , Engineering and Environmental Chemistry , Academic Fellowships

Description:

Objective:

The objective of this research project is to develop a new technology for uranium remediation and the cleanup of the millions of gallons of uranium-contaminated surface and groundwaters.

Approach:

The proposed research is governed by the following hypothesis: bioreduction and cell-surface adsorption are the predominate processes for the removal of the U(VI) species from aqueous solutions containing sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) in the presence of an electron donor. To test this hypothesis, I will: (1) develop a protocol for the culturing of SRB on a simple growth media (NH4C1, Na2SO4, tap water, ethanol or lactate, and trace minerals) at 20°C; (2) characterize the kinetics of U(VI) bioreduction as a function of solution conditions (pH, and concentrations of U(VI), SO42-, HCO3-, biomass, and trace metals such as Fe and Cu); (3) characterize the kinetics of sulfate bioreduction as a function of SO42- concentration; (4) investigate the surface chemistry of U(VI) adsorption on SRB biomass as a function of solution conditions (pH, U(VI) concentration); and (5) develop a coupled chemical, biosorption, and bioreduction kinetic model for simulating U(VI) removal from a solution as a function of described solution conditions.

Supplemental Keywords:

fellowship, uranium contamination, UVI, groundwater, surface water, sulfate-reducing bacteria, SRB, uranium remediation. , TREATMENT/CONTROL, Scientific Discipline, Waste, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Chemistry, Groundwater remediation, Treatment Technologies, biodegradation, bioreduction, uranium, groundwater contamination, bioremediation, sulfate reducing bacterium

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The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.

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