Radioactivity and chemical characteristics of Alberta phosphogypsum |
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| Authors: | S M Luther M J Dudas P M Rutherford |
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| Institution: | 1. Department of Soil Science, University of Alberta, T6G 2E3, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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| Abstract: | Gypsum based by-products of phosphate fertilizer production, termed phosphogypsum (PG), are stockpiled at numerous locations worldwide. Although dominated by gypsum, PG contains accessory minerals, trace elements, and radionuclides. This study was conducted to characterize the composition and pore water chemistry of PG samples from a plant site in southern Alberta, Canada. Pore water chemistry was studied by equilibrating PG with deionized water for 80 days; the aqueous phase was then analyzed for dissolved constituents. The PG samples had pH levels of 4.0 or lower and contained gypsum and minor amounts of quartz, phosphate rock and sodium feldspar. The PG was elevated in total content of Ag, Au, Ca, Cd, P, S, Se, Sr, U and some of the light rare earth elements and Y relative to shale. Average 226Ra activity, determined by the radon emanation method, was 890 Bq kg?1. Activity of 212Pb, in equilibrium with 228Th, was 5.8 Bq kg?1. Pore water concentrations of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Na, NO3 ?-N, Se, SO4 2?-S, and Zn exceeded drinking water standards in some PG samples. Although closer to flue gas desulfurization sludge in mineralogy, the pore water chemistry of PG is more like that of some fly ashes. |
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