Waste geologic environment interaction

Leaching of Fully Radioactive High-Level Waste Glass and Waste-Geologic Environment Interaction Studies... 

Information concerning the effect of in situ mining on the potential concentration of uranium in solution and concerning the experimentally determined effect of solution/sediment interactions on uranium mobility in the aquifer environment can be used to estimate the response of a geologic nuclear waste repository to the ingress of oxidizing water. 

The disposal of nuclear waste in ancient geologic salt formations compels systematic investigation of actinide chemistry in brines to predict their behavior in these natural, highly concentrated salt environments. Actinide release scenarios from the repository involve the dissolution and transport of actinide species in brine that has intruded into the waste emplacement area. To accurately predict the amounts of radionuclides that could be released to the surrounding environment we need to know the solubility, solution speciation, and the interactions with particulate matter and mineral surfaces under these conditions. Radiolysis produces oxidants in brines and the intrinsic high anion concentration are likely to stabilize actinides in their higher oxidation states (Biippelmann et al., 1988 Magirius et al., 1985). 

The contribution by Yong develops its themes by reference to the interactions between contaminants and soil fractions that are responsible for chemical partitioning. However, the key concepts are equally applicable to geological management of many wastes in many diverse environments. Much of the work reported in the other contributions of this volume may be viewed as dealing with the mechanisms by which the geosphere may retard and/or attenuate various actual and potential pollutants. 

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