Abstract
It is difficult to accurately predict actinide behavior during the alkaline leaching of Hanford’s radioactive sludges due to the diverse chemical and radiolytic conditions existing in these wastes. The results of Pu dissolution during experimental washing of sludge simulants from the BiPO4, Redox, and PUREX processes shows that ≤2.1% Pu is dissolved during contact with alkaline media, but up to 65.5% Pu may be dissolved in acidic media. The dissolution of Cr, Fe, Nd, and Mn has also been observed, and the results of solid state, radioanalytical, and spectroscopic investigations are detailed.
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Bond, A.H., Nash, K.L., Gelis, A.V. et al. Behavior of Actinide Ions During Sludge Washing of Alkaline Radioactive Wastes. MRS Online Proceedings Library 608, 595 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1557/PROC-608-595
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1557/PROC-608-595