Hildegarde Vandenhove

Bio: Hildegarde Vandenhove is an academic researcher. The author has contributed to research in topics: Uranium & Permeable reactive barrier. The author has an hindex of 2, co-authored 3 publications receiving 65 citations.

Removal of uranium and arsenic from groundwater using six different reactive materials: assessment of removal efficiency

Abstract: Permeable reactive barriers (PRBs) are increasingly being used as a cost-effective technique for in-situ treatment of contaminated groundwater. This paper discusses the results from batch tests with six different reactive materials, including zero-valent iron (ZVI), ferric oxyhydroxides, and some composite materials. All materials were tested in their ability to remove uranium and arsenic from groundwater. Results show that fine-grained ZVI was most successful in removing uranium from solution, up to a removal efficiency of 98%. The main mechanism in removing uranium presumably is by reductive precipitation. The results further showed that arsenic removal is most efficient with ferric oxyhydroxides (maximum removal efficiency is 96%). This study illustrates that PRBs using a mixture of fine-grained ZVI and materials containing ferric oxyhydroxides as reactive material may help significantly in removing uranium and arsenic from groundwater.

A review on the impact of mining operation: Monitoring, assessment and management

Abstract: Mining is very vital to the production of goods, services and infrastructure; it advances the quality of lives in the society. However, the possible hazard of waste and radioactivity generated by mining, dumping and tailing, has called on the society to find ways of seeking remedy that will adequately treat mining waste from mine dump, tailing and abandoned mine. Mine waste reuse and recycling in mining industries could offer cost-effective benefits through offsetting raw material requirements and decreasing the volumes of waste to be managed. This review discussed mine dump pollution monitoring and mine dump management strategies for some selected countries. Impact and mechanism of mine damage to the environment was discussed together with the remediation principles. It further examines the mining Act and regulations of the same selected countries. Emphasised was placed on the enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and standards. Practical ways in which country’s state authority and civil society can keep a close watch and enhance the enforcement of laws and regulations were highlighted. The prediction for the control of mineral exploration and environmental assessment was also discussed for executing a specific control to take preventive measures. Management techniques used in combating the impact of mine dump, stockpiles and tailing on the environment were discussed. In addition, radioactivity in mine and its monitoring and control was discussed.

Distribution of Natural Uranium in Surface and Groundwater Resources: A Review

Abstract: Keeping in view the toxicity of uranium and to reduce exposure to uranium and avoid high doses, it is essential to examine on routine bases the concentration of natural radionuclide uranium (U) in surface and groundwater resources. In this approach, the concentrations of U (total U) were summarized in worldwide surface and groundwater resources. U(+6) is the major form of U in oxic surface waters, while U(+4) is the major form in anoxic waters. An efficient way of uranium measurement in all water sources must be utilized to obtain reliable results. For this purpose a summary of available analytical techniques for U determination has also been presented. On the basis of the available data, the chemical exposures from these contaminated water sources were specified and some important epidemiological cross-sectional, ecological, and case-control studies and influence of heavy metal mining on water quality were also included. The literature review results revealed that the concentrations of natural U are high...

Technologically enhanced naturally occurring radioactive materials

Abstract: Introduction. Naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM) are ubiquitous throughout the earth's crust. Human manipulation of NORM for economic ends, such as mining, ore processing, fossil fuel extraction, and commercial aviation, may lead to what is known as “technologically enhanced naturally occurring radioactive materials,” often called TENORM. The existence of TENORM results in an increased risk for human exposure to radioactivity. Workers in TENORM-producing industries may be occupationally exposed to ionizing radiation. TENORM industries may release significant amounts of radioactive material into the environment resulting in the potential for widespread exposure to ionizing radiation. These industries include mining, phosphate processing, metal ore processing, heavy mineral sand processing, titanium pigment production, fossil fuel extraction and combustion, manufacture of building materials, thorium compounds, aviation, and scrap metal processing. Methods. A search of the PubMed database (www....