²³⁴U/²³⁸U Activity Ratios of Uranium in Bauxite and Aluminum Compounds

Abstract

²³⁴U/²³⁸U activity ratios of uranium in bauxite samples and aluminum compounds were determined by an α-ray spectrometry. Activity ratios showed that the uranium in the bauxite was in radioactive equilibrium (²³⁴U/²³⁸U=0.98-1.07), while uranium impurities in the majority of aluminum compounds were not (²³⁴U/²³⁸U=0.98-1.37) . Contamination route of the uranium in disequilibrium in the production process of aluminum compounds (Bayer process) was investigated and the underground water used in the hydrolysis process was estimated to be responsible.