Radioactivity and the environment

The aim of this teaching unit is to gain a better understanding of the chemical behavior of radionuclides under environmental conditions. To this end, the notion of speciation in different environmental compartments will be introduced, as well as the various techniques that can contribute to global analysis. The focus will be on X-ray absorption, X-ray fluorescence imaging, transmission electron microscopy and SIMS. Speciation results will then be correlated with potential environmental impacts.

Hourly volumes* :

            CM: 12h

            TD : 8h

The objective of this teaching unit is to understand the chemical behavior of radionuclides in the environment by studying their speciation using different techniques. It will allow us to assess the environmental impact linked to the presence of radionuclides in different compartments of the environment.

Solution chemistry applied to actinides

Continuous control

• Definition of the issues related to measurement in environmental conditions
• Speciation of actinides:
  • Definitions, issues raised and consequences for measurement
  • Examples of actinide speciation under environmental conditions (redox, hydrolysis, complexation)
  • Examples of speciation in complex environments
  • Techniques associated with the study of speciation under environmental conditions
  • Molecular speciation by X-ray absorption

The lectures and tutorials will be supplemented by group case studies and bibliographic tutorials based on real cases.

Administrative contact(s): Master of Chemistry secretariat

master-chimie @ umontpellier.fr (master-chimie @ umontpellier.fr)