Regarding minerological analysis

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In summary, the conversation discusses the need to find minerals in sediments while estimating the amount of radionuclides. It also mentions the role of cation exchange capacity in minerals and questions whether they concentrate primordial radionuclides. The conversation then delves into the granulometric analysis of clay particles and their ability to retain radionuclides. The expert also provides background information on the various oxidation states of uranium and how they can be affected by factors such as pH and the presence of reducing agents. The conversation ends with a question about which oxide is responsible for the increase of uranium-238 in sediment and the expert clarifies that Uranium-VI is highly soluble in water.
  • #1
hariprasath
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why we need to find the minerals in the sediments while estimating the amount of radionuclides. although there exist a cation exchange capacity in the minerals, do they actually concentrate the primordial radionuclides in them.
further on granulometric analysis, do the clay particles retain the radionuclides and how?
 
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  • #2
Maybe you could provide some more background. Which primordial radionuclides do you mean? Basically, there is only uranium and thorium. Thorium is almost insoluble, but the solubility of uranium depends on it's oxidation state (namely IV, which is insoluble and VI, which is soluble). The oxidation state depends on the pH of the solution, the amount of carbonate and the presence of reducing agents in the soil/ mineral with which the solution is in contact, like organic mater or inorganic carbon which may reduce the U VI to U IV.
 
  • #3
Uranium can exist in five oxidation states: +2, +3, +4, +5 and +6. However, only the +4 and +6 states are stable enough to be of practical importance. Tetravalent uranium is reasonably stable and forms hydroxides, hydrated fluorides and phosphates of low solubility. Hexavalent uranium is the most stable state and the most
commonly occurring form is U3O8. this is what i had read it one of the page in internet. i request you to help me to find the exact answer for this.
 
  • #4
So what precisely is your question?
 
  • #5
which oxide is responsible for the increase of uranium -238 in the sediments of rivers. is it U(IV) oxide is soluble or U(VI) is soluble in water?
 
  • #6
I would expect mainly pitchblende UO2, which is a Uranium-IV oxide.
 
  • #7
hariprasath said:
which oxide is responsible for the increase of uranium -238 in the sediments of rivers. is it U(IV) oxide is soluble or U(VI) is soluble in water?
Uranium-VI is very soluble in water.
 
  • #8
thank you for the clarification.
 

Related to Regarding minerological analysis

1. What is minerological analysis?

Minerological analysis is the study of minerals and their properties, composition, and distribution in different types of rocks and soils. It involves identifying and characterizing minerals present in a sample using various techniques and tools.

2. Why is minerological analysis important?

Minerological analysis is important because minerals play a crucial role in many scientific fields, such as geology, environmental science, and materials science. By understanding the minerals present in a sample, we can gain insights into the formation and history of a rock or soil, its potential uses, and its impact on the environment.

3. What techniques are used in minerological analysis?

There are various techniques used in minerological analysis, such as optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, and spectroscopy. Each technique has its advantages and limitations, and they are often used in combination to obtain a comprehensive understanding of a sample's mineralogy.

4. How is minerological analysis performed?

Minerological analysis typically involves collecting a sample from a rock outcrop or soil, preparing it for analysis, and then using various techniques to identify and characterize the minerals present. This can include crushing the sample, separating minerals by size or density, and using specialized equipment for analysis.

5. What can be learned from minerological analysis?

Minerological analysis can provide information on the mineral composition and structure of a sample, the environment in which it was formed, and any processes that have acted on it over time. This information can be used to understand the geological history of an area, identify potential mineral resources, and assess the quality of soils for agricultural or environmental purposes.

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