Experimental study on solidification of uranium tailings by microbial grouting combined with electroosmosis

Jinxiang Deng; Mengjie Li; Yakun Tian; Lingling Wu; Lin Hu; Zhijun Zhang; Huaimiao Zheng

Nuclear Engineering and Technology (Dec 2023)

Experimental study on solidification of uranium tailings by microbial grouting combined with electroosmosis

Jinxiang Deng,
Mengjie Li,
Yakun Tian,
Lingling Wu,
Lin Hu,
Zhijun Zhang,
Huaimiao Zheng

Affiliations

Jinxiang Deng: School of Resource & Environment and Safety Engineering, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China; Hunan Province & Hengyang City Engineering Technology Research Center for Disaster Prediction and Control on Mining Geotechnical Engineering, Hengyang 421001, China
Mengjie Li: School of Resource & Environment and Safety Engineering, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China; Hunan Province & Hengyang City Engineering Technology Research Center for Disaster Prediction and Control on Mining Geotechnical Engineering, Hengyang 421001, China
Yakun Tian: School of Resource & Environment and Safety Engineering, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China; Hunan Province & Hengyang City Engineering Technology Research Center for Disaster Prediction and Control on Mining Geotechnical Engineering, Hengyang 421001, China
Lingling Wu: School of Resource & Environment and Safety Engineering, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China; Hunan Province & Hengyang City Engineering Technology Research Center for Disaster Prediction and Control on Mining Geotechnical Engineering, Hengyang 421001, China
Lin Hu: School of Resource & Environment and Safety Engineering, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China; Hunan Province & Hengyang City Engineering Technology Research Center for Disaster Prediction and Control on Mining Geotechnical Engineering, Hengyang 421001, China
Zhijun Zhang: School of Resource & Environment and Safety Engineering, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China; Hunan Province & Hengyang City Engineering Technology Research Center for Disaster Prediction and Control on Mining Geotechnical Engineering, Hengyang 421001, China; Corresponding author. School of Resource & Environment and Safety Engineering, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China.
Huaimiao Zheng: Hunan Province & Hengyang City Engineering Technology Research Center for Disaster Prediction and Control on Mining Geotechnical Engineering, Hengyang 421001, China; School of Economics, Management and Law, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China; Corresponding author. Hunan Province & Hengyang City Engineering Technology Research Center for Disaster Prediction and Control on Mining Geotechnical Engineering, Hengyang 421001, China.

Journal volume & issue: Vol. 55, no. 12
pp. 4527 – 4542

Abstract

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The present microbial reinforcement of rock and soil exhibits limitations, such as uneven reinforcement effectiveness and low calcium carbonate generation rate, resulting in limited solidification strength. This study introduces electroosmosis as a standard microbial grouting reinforcement technique and investigates its solidification effects on microbial-reinforced uranium tailings. The most effective electroosmosis effect on uranium tailings occurs under a potential gradient of 1.25 V/cm. The findings indicate that a weak electric field can effectively promote microbial growth and biological activity and accelerate bacterial metabolism. The largest calcium carbonate production occurred under the gradient of 0.5 V/cm, featuring a good crystal combination and the best cementation effect. Staged electroosmosis and electrode conversion efficiently drive the migration of anions and cations. Under electroosmosis, the cohesion of uranium tailings reinforced by microorganisms increased by 37.3% and 64.8% compared to those reinforced by common microorganisms and undisturbed uranium tailings, respectively. The internal friction angle is also improved, significantly enhancing the uniformity of reinforcement and a denser and stronger microscopic structure. This research demonstrates that MICP technology enhances the solidification effects and uniformity of uranium tailings, providing a novel approach to maintaining the safety and stability of uranium tailings dams.

Published in Nuclear Engineering and Technology

ISSN: 1738-5733 (Print)
Publisher: Elsevier
Country of publisher: Korea, Republic of
LCC subjects: Technology: Electrical engineering. Electronics. Nuclear engineering: Nuclear engineering. Atomic power
Website: http://www.journals.elsevier.com/nuclear-engineering-and-technology

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