Improvement of the laboratory model that simulates the migration of depleted uranium in soils

Objective: To improve the migration model of depleted uranium and confirm the reliability of the laboratory model. Methods: The improved laboratory model of DU migrating in soils has been set up. Method of stratified sampling has been adopted. The uranium element content and 235U/238U were determined by ICP-MS and the depths of DU migration identified. Results: The depth of DU migration was 9 cm ∼ 11 cm, 25 cm ∼ 29 cm, and 35 cm or more, corresponding to the rain pH of 5.6, 4.0, and 3.0 respectively. The depth of DU migration in Chinese experiment module of DU, French DU testing field, battle ground in Kosovo was Over 25 cm, 30 cm and 10 cm-20 cm. Conclusion: Acid rain has promoted the migration of depleted uranium. The migration depths in experiments coincide with the depth measured on the spots polluted by DU, which illustrates the laboratory model has been designed successfully in the main. (authors)