ABSTRACTDrip tests designed to replicate the synergistic interactions between waste
glass, repository groundwater, water vapor, and sensitized 304L stainless
steel in the potential Yucca Mountain Repository have been ongoing in our
laboratory for over ten years. Results will be presented from three sets of
these drip tests: two with actinide-doped glasses, and one with a
fully-radioactive glass. Periodic sampling of these tests have revealed
trends in actinide release behavior that are consistent with their
entrainment in colloidal material when as-cast glass is reacted. Results
from vapor hydrated glass show that initially the actinides are completely
dissolved in solution, but as the reaction proceeds, the actinides become
suspended in solution. Sequential filtering and alpha spectroscopy of
colloid-bearing leachate solutions indicate that more than 80% of the
plutonium and americium are bound to particles that are captured by a 0.1 μm
filter, while less than 10% of the neptunium is stopped by a 0.1 μm filter.
Analytical transmission electron microscopy has been used to examine
particles from leachate solutions and to identify several actinide-bearing
phases which are responsible for the majority of actinide release during
glass corrosion.</jats:p
Is data on this page outdated, violates copyrights or anything else? Report the problem now and we will take corresponding actions after reviewing your request.