Abstract |
Phosphate deposits from phosphate fertilizer plants are considered to be a potential low-grade uranium ore; therefore, the uranium concentration in the phosphate-bearing formations is much higher than the natural abundance for all rocks. All phosphate-ore formations are older than one million years, and since uranium is considered to be syngenetic, radium is expected to be present in equilibrium amounts with the uranium. High radium concentrations have been found in both the finished fertilizer and the waste waters in ponds adjacent to the plants. Disposal of liquid wastes directly to the environment may be an immediate hazard and leaching of solid-waste spoil piles may be a long-term supply of radium pollution. |