The Theory and Practice in the Application of Methods for Investigation on Radionuclide Speciation in Soils

A comparative analysis of the methods for studying the radionuclide speciation in the soil based on the fractionation of their compounds associated with different soil components is given. Data are given on the physicochemical nature of the forms of the main environmentally significant technogenic and natural radionuclides in the soils contaminated when testing nuclear weapons as a result of accidents and incidents at radiation hazardous objects, mining and processing of mineral resources. The effect of environmental factors, such as the properties of the radionuclide and soil, the type of radioactive fallout, and the time since they entered the soil, on radionuclide speciation is considered. It was demonstrated that the experimental data on the radionuclide speciation are a theoretical basis for estimating and predicting their mobility in the soil, accessibility for plants, and substantiation of measures for the rehabilitation of contaminated soils.