Coca-Cola for determining bioaccessible uranium in contaminated mine soils

There is an increasing need for low-cost soil testing procedures that accurately determine the bioaccessibility of metals in contaminated land. This study demonstrates that the use of Coca-Cola Classic® in single extraction tests provides an excel.lent indication of bioaccessible U in contaminated mine soils. Moreover, soft drinks are superior in terms of availability, costs, preparation and disposal compared to traditional chemicals (e.g. DTPA). Coca-Cola® extraction rests may be used for environmental impact assessments of U mine sites, nuclear fuel processing plants and waste storage and disposal facilities.