The Sorption of Polonium, Actinium and Protactinium Onto Geological Materials

Abstract

AbstractThis paper describes a combined experimental and modelling programme of generic sorption studies to increase confidence in the performance assessment for a potential highlevel radioactive waste repository in Japan. The sorption of polonium, actinium and protactinium onto geological materials has been investigated. Sorption of these radioelements onto bentonite, tuff and granodiorite from equilibrated de-ionised water was studied under reducing conditions at room temperature. In addition, the sorption of actinium and protactinium was investigated at 60°C. Thermodynamic chemical modelling was carried out to aid interpretation of the results.