A novel laboratory simulation system to uncover the mechanisms of uranium upward transport in a desert landscape

After depleted uranium (DU) is deposited in the environment, it corrodes producing mobile uranium species. The upward transport mechanism in a desert landscape is associated with the dissolution/precipitation of uranium minerals that vary in composition and solubility in soil pore water. The objective of this study is to develop the laboratory column simulation to investigate the upward transport mechanism with cyclic capillary wetting and drying moisture regimes. Results showed that evaporation driven upward transport occurred even during the first 2 months of wetting-drying regimes. Evaporation driven upward transport may control the U movement in the soil profile in an arid climate. The new system did not generate any uranium-containing wastewater. • Simulates the upward transport process of pollutants with different pollution levels and species. • Simultaneously simulate the transport process of multiple pollutants simultaneously. • Evaluate the influence of biogeochemical factors on pollutant transport such as various cations and anions (Ca, Mg and carbonates) in water.