Diffusion of Chloride and Uranium in Compacted Sodium Bentonite

Abstract

ABSTRACTSorption and diffusion of chloride (Cl-36) and uranium in conpacted sodium bentonite MX-80 were measured. No sorption was observed in the Sorption tests, however, in the diffusion tests slight sorption of uranium was noticed. The diffusivities of Cl-36 were found to be strongly dependent on the compaction of bentonite and on the salt concentration of the solution. Ion-exclusion can propably explain these phenomena.The diffusivities of uranium were also strongly dependent on the compaction of bentonite. Uranium shews features of both ion-exclusion and sorption. Farther studies are, however, needed to explain the diffusion mechanisms of uranium.