The solubility, redox behavior and microbial interactions of neptunium (IV and V) in high ionic-strength brine systems are being investigated as an analog for plutonium (IV and V).   The spectroscopy of Np(V) as a function of ionic strength and temperature has been quantitatively established and leads to small, but measurable, shifts in the absorption spectrum that need to be accounted for in complexation studies.  The biosorption of Np(V) with halobacteria and archaea has also been established.  Halobacteria show sorption trends that are comparable to past studies for soil bacteria whereas archaea show significantly different and much lower sorption.  Solubility and complexation studies with Np (IV) are underway as an analog for Pu(IV) and progress in these experiments will be statused.  These studies support the ongoing recertification efforts for the WIPP project and improve our overall understanding of actinide behavior in the unlikely event that brine saturation occurs.

Biogeochemistry of neptunium in high ionic-strength brine systems

248th National Meeting (2014)

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