Grantee Research Project Results
Modeling the Removal of (U[VI]) From Aqueous Solutions in the Presence of Sulfate-Reducing Bacteria
EPA Grant Number: U914935Title: Modeling the Removal of (U[VI]) From Aqueous Solutions in the Presence of Sulfate-Reducing Bacteria
Investigators: Spear, John R.
Institution: Colorado School of Mines
EPA Project Officer: Packard, Benjamin H
Project Period: January 1, 1996 through January 1, 1999
Project Amount: $102,000
RFA: STAR Graduate Fellowships (1996) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Fellowship - Environmental , Academic Fellowships , Safer Chemicals
Objective:
The objective of this research project is to develop a new technology for uranium remediation and the cleanup of the millions of gallons of uranium-contaminated surface and groundwaters.
Approach:
The proposed research is governed by the following hypothesis: bioreduction and cell-surface adsorption are the predominate processes for the removal of the U(VI) species from aqueous solutions containing sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) in the presence of an electron donor. To test this hypothesis, I will: (1) develop a protocol for the culturing of SRB on a simple growth media (NH4C1, Na2SO4, tap water, ethanol or lactate, and trace minerals) at 20°C; (2) characterize the kinetics of U(VI) bioreduction as a function of solution conditions (pH, and concentrations of U(VI), SO42-, HCO3-, biomass, and trace metals such as Fe and Cu); (3) characterize the kinetics of sulfate bioreduction as a function of SO42- concentration; (4) investigate the surface chemistry of U(VI) adsorption on SRB biomass as a function of solution conditions (pH, U(VI) concentration); and (5) develop a coupled chemical, biosorption, and bioreduction kinetic model for simulating U(VI) removal from a solution as a function of described solution conditions.