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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Lixiviation of natural radionuclides and heavy metals in tropical soils amended with phosphogypsum

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Author(s):
Nisti, M. B. [1] ; Saueia, C. R. [1] ; Malheiro, L. H. [1] ; Groppo, G. H. [1] ; Mazzilli, B. P. [1]
Total Authors: 5
Affiliation:
[1] Inst Pesquisas Energet & Nucl, BR-05508000 Sao Paulo - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 1
Document type: Journal article
Source: JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY; v. 144, p. 120-126, JUN 2015.
Web of Science Citations: 13
Abstract

The main phosphate industries in Brazil are responsible for the annual production of 5.5 million tons of a residue (phosphogypsum), which is stored in stacks. The presence of radionuclides and metals puts restrictions on the use of phosphogypsum in agriculture. To assure a safe utilization, it is important to estimate the lixiviation of the radionuclides (U-238, Ra-226, Pb-210, Po-210, Th-232 and Ra-228) and metals (As, Cd, Cr, Ni, Se, Hg and Pb) present in phosphogypsum. For this purpose, an experiment was carried out, in which columns filled with sandy and clay Brazilian typical soils mixed with phosphogypsum were percolated with water, to achieve a mild extraction of these elements. The results obtained for the concentration of the radionuclides and metals in the leachate were low; giving evidence that, even when these elements are present in the phosphogypsum, they do not contribute to an enhancement of their content in water. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 10/10587-0 - Leachability of metals and natural radionuclides in columns of tropical soils amended with phosphogypsum
Grantee:Barbara Paci Mazzilli
Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants