Rare Earth Element Solution and Surface Chemistry

这项研究旨在揭示稀土元素在海洋、河口和河流环境中相对复杂的行为背后的一般简单、基本的化学因素。将研究稀土与主要溶液配体(碳酸盐和磷酸盐)的化学结合。稀土在海水和选定的固体表面(碳酸钙、硅酸盐、氧化铁和有机物)之间的固/溶液平衡分配将作为海水溶液条件的函数进行研究。将开发能够评估溶解的天然有机物对稀土元素在环境中的行为的作用的方法。这项工作将提高模拟稀土元素和超钚元素在自然系统中的行为的能力。

This research is designed to reveal the generally simple, fundamental chemical factors which underlie the relatively complex behavior of rare earth elements in oceanic, estuarine and riverine environments. Chemical associations of the rare earths with dominant solution ligands (carbonate and phosphate) will be investigated. Solid/solution equilibrium partitioning of rare earths between seawater and selected solid surfaces (calcium carbonate, silicates, iron oxides, and organics) will be examined as a function of seawater solution conditions. Methods will be developed which will permit assessment of the role of dissolved natural organics on rare earth element behavior in the environment. This work should provide improved capabilities for modeling the behavior of rare earth elements and transplutonium elements in natural systems.