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Detection of decontamination solution chelating agents using ion selective coated-wire electrodes

Thesis/Dissertation ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/10187899· OSTI ID:10187899
 [1]
  1. Arizona Univ., Tucson, AZ (United States)

This thesis explores feasibility of using coated-wire electrodes to measure chelating agent concentration. Chelating agents are often found in radioactive decontamination solutions because they aid in the removal of radionuclides from contaminated surfaces by increasing their solubility. However, this characteristic will also enhance the mobility of the radionuclide and thus its transport out of a waste disposal site. Coated-wire ion selective electrodes, based on a polyvinylchloride membrane using dioctylphthalate as a plasticizer and dinonylnaphthalenesulfonic acid as a counterion, were constructed for five commonly utilized chelating agents (ethylenediaminetetracetic acid (EDTA), nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA), citric acid, oxalic acid and tartaric add). The EDTA and NTA electrodes` calibration characteristics exhibited acceptable behavior in pure standard solutions. From data obtained while using the EDTA and NTA electrodes in a cement environment, further research needs to be done in the area of ion interference.

Research Organization:
Oak Ridge Inst. for Science and Education, TN (United States); Arizona Univ., Tucson, AZ (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
DOE Contract Number:
AC05-76OR00033
OSTI ID:
10187899
Report Number(s):
DOE/OR/00033--T538; ON: DE94000832
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English