Groundwater Nanoparticles in the Far-Field at the Nevada Test Site: Mechanism for Radionuclide Transport

Colloid-like nanoparticles in groundwater have been shown to facilitate migration of several radionuclides: (239,240)Pu, 137Cs, (152,154, 155)Eu, and 60Co. However, the exact type of nanoparticle and the speciation of the associated radionuclides has remained unknown. We have investigated nanoparticles sampled from the far-field at the Nevada Test Site, Nevada, utilizing advanced electron microscopytechniques, including high-angle annular dark-field scanning TEM (HAADF-STEM). Fissiogenic elements: Cs, rare earth elements (REE), activation elements: Co; and actinides: U and Th, were detected. Cesium is associated with U-forming cesium uranate with a Cs/U atomic ratio of approximately 0.12. Light REEs and Th are associated with phosphates, silicates, or apatite. Cobalt occurs as a metallic aggregate, associated with Cr, Fe, Ni, and +/-Mo. Uranyl minerals; Na-boltwoodite and oxide hydrates are also present as colloids. Because of these chemical associations with nanoscale particles, in the size range