User:KendallF/sandbox

= Uranium Radionuclides in the Environment  = A uranium radionuclide is an isotope that is radioactive and in this case, is a species of uranium. Radioactivity is natural in the environment, however uranium radionuclides can lead to radioactive decay.In the case of uranium mines, these radionuclides can leach into the water and cause the radioactivity to be carried elsewhere, as well as form precipitates that can be harmful to the environment. The uranium radionuclides can eventually be carried to fruits and vegetables via water contaminated with the radioactive nuclides. Sulfuric acid, oxidation, and alkaline leaching are ways that radioactive nuclides make their way into the environment. When uranium decays it also produce the isotopes 226Ra and 222Rn, which are also bad for the environment. There are three different radioactive isotopes involving uranium. These are uranium-238, uranium-235, and uranium-234. Each has a different half life, which determines the isotope's decay rate. When uranium-235 combines with other molecules it creates a chemical reaction that can cause detrimental effects to water. Even though the isotope occurs naturally, when combined with other elements it can cause the pH of water to become more acidic, which when drank can cause ill health effects.