Radioactivity and the environment

This teaching unit aims to provide a better understanding of the chemical behavior of radionuclides in environmental conditions. To this end, the concept of speciation in different environmental compartments will be introduced, as well as the various techniques that contribute to the overall analysis. Focus will be placed 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: 12 p.m.

            Tutorial: 8 hours

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 enable the environmental impact of radionuclides in different environmental compartments to be assessed.

Chemistry of solutions applied to actinides

Continuous assessment

• Definition of issues related to measurement in environmental conditions
• Actinide speciation:
  • Definitions, issues raised, and implications 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

Lectures and tutorials will be supplemented by group case studies and bibliographic tutorials based on real-life cases.

Administrative contact(s): Master's in Chemistry Secretariat

Master's degree in Chemistry @ umontpellier.fr