Biogenic Mn Oxides Show Promise in Radionuclide Sequestration

Strategic Insights -

Research conducted at Kyushu University in Japan has explored the potential of biogenic Mn oxides in sequestering radionuclides at uranium mill-tailings sites. The study, published in Geochemistry of Barium Ions Associated With Biogenic Manganese Oxide Nanoparticles Generated By a Fungus Strain: Implications for Radium Sequestration In Uranium Mill Tailings, found that biogenic Mn oxides produced by a fungal species, Coprinopsis urticicola, were effective in absorbing barium ions, a safe and chemically appropriate surrogate for radioactive radium. The research suggests that this approach may be applicable to other contaminated sites due to the ubiquitous occurrence of fungi in the environment.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study utilized a fungal species, Coprinopsis urticicola, isolated from the mine water of the Ningyo-toge U mine, Okayama, Japan, to produce biogenic Mn oxides.
  • Biogenic Mn oxides were identified as birnessite nanocrystals, which showed reactivity and were effective in sequestering barium ions.
  • The research found that the biogenic Mn oxides produced by Coprinopsis urticicola were suitable for radionuclide sequestration due to their reactivity and ubiquity in Earth surface environments.
  • The study's findings suggest that this approach may be applicable to other contaminated sites due to the widespread occurrence of fungi in the environment.
  • The research has significant implications for the development of sustainable and effective solutions for radionuclide sequestration at uranium mill-tailings sites.
  • The study's authors, Satoshi Utsunomiya, Hiroki Yokoo, Takumi Oki, Motoki Uehara, Ilma Dwi Winarni, Keiko Yamaji, Kenjin Fukuyama, Yoshiyuki Ohara, Toshihiko Ohnuki, and Michael F. Hochella, highlight the potential of biogenic Mn oxides in mitigating the environmental impact of uranium mining and processing.

Statistics:

  • The study was published in Geochemistry of Barium Ions Associated With Biogenic Manganese Oxide Nanoparticles Generated By a Fungus Strain: Implications for Radium Sequestration In Uranium Mill Tailings, Volume 110, pages 270-282.
  • The research was financially supported by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science.
  • The study's results suggest that biogenic Mn oxides produced by Coprinopsis urticicola have the potential to sequester up to 70% of barium ions at uranium mill-tailings sites.
  • The research has significant implications for the development of sustainable and effective solutions for radionuclide sequestration at uranium mill-tailings sites.

Sources:

  • Geochemistry of Barium Ions Associated With Biogenic Manganese Oxide Nanoparticles Generated By a Fungus Strain: Implications for Radium Sequestration In Uranium Mill Tailings. Gondwana Research, 2022;110:270-282.
  • NewsRx. Findings on Nanoparticles Discussed by Investigators at Kyushu University (Geochemistry of Barium Ions Associated With Biogenic Manganese Oxide Nanoparticles Generated By a Fungus Strain: Implications for Radium Sequestration In Uranium Mill ...). News of Science. November 13, 2022; p 1291.