In vitro dissolution study of uranium dioxide and uranium ore with different particle sizes in simulated lung fluid

Inhalation is one of the most important routes for aerosol particles of uranium compounds to enter the body. The main step for uranium to be available for blood circulation and for interaction with bio-molecules is the dissolution of the particles. Particle size effects on dissolution of uranium dioxide and uranium ore were studied in simulated lung fluid using the “batch/filter” method. Samples were fractionated to ten size ranges from 10 μm by cascade impaction prior to dissolution experiments. Dependence of dissolution kinetics on particle size and on the amount of uranium trioxide contained in the particles was observed.