Spectroscopic methods for actinide speciation

Spectroscopic methods for actinide speciation on a molecular-scale is prerequisite for understanding actinide mobilization-immobilization processes necessary for reliable model development describing geochemical behavior and transport phenomena of actinides released into the environment. Real or natural systems are complex and are both chemically and physically heterogeneous so that spectroscopic speciation of the actinides is a scientific challenge. Of central importance are speciation/spectroscopic methods applicable for trace analyte concentrations, redox speciation techniques, and speciation methods providing spatially resolved and surface specific structural information. (orig.)