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Technetium Retention and Remobilization Potential after Prolonged Reaction in Fe(III)- and Sulfate-Reducing Model Aquifer Systems #MMPMID41391016
Ho MS; Vettese GF; Morris K; Lloyd JR; Boothman C; Shaw S; Dardenne K; Pearce C; Law GTW
Environ Sci Technol 2025[Dec]; ? (?): ? PMID41391016show ga
(99)Tc is a long-lived radioactive fission product whose subsurface mobility is governed by redox conditions. Under oxic conditions, soluble Tc(VII)O(4)(-) is mobile, whereas under reducing conditions, poorly soluble Tc(IV) phases limit transport. Microcosm studies have frequently reported TcO(2)-like solids and, less consistently, Tc(IV)-sulfides. The stability of Tc(IV)-sulfides under environmentally relevant conditions remains unclear. Here, we used flowing sediment columns representative of the Sellafield subsurface to examine Tc speciation and stability over approximately 1 year. Under reducing conditions, >90% of added TcO(4)(-) (400 mug) was retained under both Fe(III)- and sulfate-reducing conditions. X-ray absorption spectroscopy showed TcO(2)-like phases dominated in Fe(III)-reducing columns, while Tc(IV)-sulfides dominated after sustained sulfate reduction. Sequential extractions indicated that Tc in sulfidic sediments was more recalcitrant (=23% released by weak acids) than in Fe(III)-reducing systems ( approximately 60% released). With oxic groundwater pumping, effluent Tc sourced from the sediments rose rapidly. Over 160 days, the sulfidic columns remobilized approximately 25% of their Tc inventory compared to approximately 50% in Fe(III)-reducing columns. The Tc(IV)-sulfides also gradually oxidized to form TcO(2) phases. While Tc(IV)-sulfides may enhance Tc retention under reducing conditions, TcO(2) phases more likely govern (99)Tc mobility during long-term redox cycling. Our findings provide new constraints for modeling Tc fate at contaminated sites and in radioactive waste disposal.