T. De Putter et al., REE, Y and U concentration at the fluid-iron oxide interface in late Cenozoic cryptodolines from Southern Belgium, CHEM GEOL, 153(1-4), 1999, pp. 139-150
Cryptodolines dug in Mesozoic U-rich calcarenites from the Mons Basin (S. B
elgium) have been studied, to determine to which extent U and associated tr
ace elements (Th, REE) have been mobilized during the weathering event(s).
Special attention is paid to the trace elements immobilization/trapping pro
cesses. Analytical methods used include major/trace elements geochemistry (
emission ICP; ICP-MS), U/Th isotope geochemistry (alpha-spectrometry) and m
ineralogy (XRD, SEM, microprobe). Our results indicate that, although weak
in intensity, the weathering process resulted in selective U-234 (Vs. Th-23
0) mobilization, in the last 750 Kyr. A recent (Quaternary) age is thus pro
posed for the weathering process. Mobilized U(VI) is concentrated in U-rich
(Y, REE)-phosphate (xenotime/rhabdophane/churchite) coatings, neoformed on
Fe-Co-Mn oxyhydroxides resulting from the weathering of the calcarenites.
The neoformation process of U-rich accessory minerals on high-surface-area
host minerals is of special interest in the containment of mobilized radion
uclides within the immediate vicinity of surface radioactive waste deposits
undergoing weathering processes. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights
reserved.