Diffusion of radioactive waste elements from underground water and leachates of phosphate waste forms in pore solution of clay materials

Abstract

Using through diffusion method at room temperature, migration of RW element simulators (P, Se, Br, Mo, Cs, U) in compacted samples of clay materials of various mineral compositions was studied during porous diffusion from model solutions: underground water and leachates of phosphate waste forms having a total salt content of up to 500 mg/L. Based on the results of experiments, effective diffusion coefficients and sorption distribution coefficients of elements in barrier materials were determined. Numerical models are proposed to describe diffusion transfer of selenium, cesium and uranium depending on porosity, mineral composition of materials, and concentration of elements in pore solution. Patterns of diffusion of elements from solutions of different salt composition were revealed.