Uranium releasing behavior from a uranium waste rock heap in southern China: indication from sink

The waste rock heap is a kind of potential uranium (U) pollution source in U mining and metallurgy areas. In this study, we discussed the distribution characteristics of U in the soil (sludge) around a waste rock heap of a granite-type U mine in southern China, and the aim was to indicate U releasing behavior from the pollution source from the perspective of the sink. This work proves that U carried by colloidal solution can be transported for a longer distance. Thus, in the follow-up regulation engineering for U waste rock heap to inhibit U from entering the environment, it should be concerned on not only the diffusion of U in the form of debris, but especially the migration of U as colloidal solution.