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Elsevier, Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, (121), p. 214-228, 2013

DOI: 10.1016/j.gca.2013.07.009

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Investigating humic substances interactions with Th4+,UO22+, andNpO2+at high pH: Relevance to cementitious disposal of radioactive wastes

Journal article published in 2013 by Anthony Stockdale, Nick D. Bryan, Stephen Lofts ORCID, Edward Tipping
This paper was not found in any repository, but could be made available legally by the author.
This paper was not found in any repository, but could be made available legally by the author.

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Abstract

A number of geodisposal concepts for intermediate level radioactive waste involve geological emplacement within cementitious repositories. Such facilities, once rehydrated with groundwater, will create high pH environments due to aqueous phase reaction of the cements. This work focuses on the interactions of several important long-lived radionuclide cations with dissolved organic matter (DOM) constituents (humic and fulvic acids) under high pH conditions. We also sought to test the comprehensive speciation model WHAM/Humic Ion Binding Model VII for these specific conditions. Results for Th demonstrate high fractions present as organic complexes at all pH values. Binding of neptunyl to DOM shows a maximum over the pH range expected within an evolving repository. Uranyl exhibits decreasing binding with pH, however, the majority of metal in solution is present as organic complexes under the lower pH conditions investigated (10-10.5). We have updated the WHAM/Model VII binding values for UO22+, and have for the first time added NpO2+ values to the database. These updates now allow application of the model for more complex mixtures across the entire repository pH range. Calculations for three simulated cement interstitial waters (representing different degradation phases) suggest U(VI) and Np(V) are not likely to be significantly bound to DOM under these conditions.