Chemistry, mineralogy, and uranium species of reddish sediments from Punilla Valley

Abstract

This dataset includes chemical and mineralogical analyses performed by pXRF, XRD and SEM/EDS, and uranium solid speciation using synchrotron X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). Samples consisted of reddish pelitic sediments, carbonates, micas, and plant roots from the Northeast of Cosquín city and Rodolfo Mine. The dataset presented herein provides raw and processed data employed in obtaining the results (i.e., all figures and tables) reported in the manuscript “Synchrotron XAS evidence for uranium speciation and mobilization pathways driven by carnotite dissolution in weathered sediments”, published by Martina Wiesjski-Lopez, Gonzalo L. Bia, Eduardo D. Wannaz, and Laura Borgnino. Specifically, the ensuing information provides an elaborate description of the chemical composition of samples, conveyed through Tables 1 and S3a, raw XRD patterns associated with Figures 3 and S4, and several raw and processed data of EDS, XANES and XPS spectra of the analyzed samples showing in Figures 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and S5. This work aims to provide evidence of U mobilization and speciation changes in sediments naturally enriched in U, where carnotite is prevalent. Specifically, we identified the occurrence of U(VI) and U(IV) among the main sediment constituents. The results contribute to a mechanistic understanding of U mobility pathways in environments where this element is naturally enriched, providing crucial insights for risk assessment in inhabited areas.