Model of U and 226Ra uptake by Spergularia rubra (L.) J. Presl & C. Presl in an area affected by Cu ore mining

Spergularia rubra (L.) J. Presl & C. Presl has a mycorrhizal resistance that leads to increased uranium uptake. The results show that 35% of the 238 U is retained in the carbonate fraction and 59% in the residual or non-reactive fraction. 226 Ra shows a different pattern with an average association of 19% in the organic matter fraction, 10% in the carbonate compounds and the remaining 71% in the residual fraction. The relationships between the activity concentrations of 238 U and 226 Ra in the soil fractions and in Spergularia were found to be statistically representative of the carbonate and organic matter fractions, respectively.