Goethite colloid enhanced Pu transport through a single saturated fracture in granite

α-FeOOH, a stable iron oxide in nature, can strongly absorb the low-solubility plutonium (Pu) in aquifers. However, whether Pu transports though a single saturated fracture can be enhanced in the presence of α-FeOOH colloids remains unknown. Experimental studies were carried out to evaluate Pu mobilization at different water flow velocity, as affected by goethite colloids with various concentrations. Goethite nanorods were used to prepare (α-FeOOH)-associated Pu suspensions with α-FeOOH concentration of (0–150) mgL−1. The work experimentally evidenced that α-FeOOH colloid does enhance transport of Pu through fractured granites. The fraction of mobile 239Pu (RPu, m=41.5%) associated with the α-FeOOH of an extremely low colloid concentration (0.2mgL−1) is much larger than that in absence of α-FeOOH (RPu, m=6.98%). However, plutonium mobility began to decrease when α-FeOOH concentration was increased to 1.0mgL−1. On the other hand, the fraction of mobile Pu increased gradually with the water flow velocity. Based on the experimental data, the mechanisms underlying the (α-FeOOH)-associated plutonium transport are comprehensively discussed in view of its dynamic deposition onto the granite surfaces, which is decided mainly by the relative interaction between the colloid particle and the immobile surface. This interaction is a balance of electrostatic force (may be repulsive or attractive), the van der Walls force, and the shear stress of flow. •Goethite enhancing Pu transport in fractured granites was well demonstrated.•Critical colloid concentration of 1.0mg/L was observed for enhancing Pu transport.•Transport mechanisms were discussed in terms of deposition rate coefficient.