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Radionuclide retardation mechanisms in the Culebra aquifer at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant

Book ·
OSTI ID:182975
;  [1]
  1. Environmental Evaluation Group, Albuquerque, NM (United States)
This paper is a critical evaluation of radionuclide retardation processes used in safety assessments for the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant. Upon a breach of the repository by oil and gas exploration, pressurized brine carrying radionuclides might be injected into the Culebra Dolomite aquifer above the repository. The transport of these nuclides in the Culebra is postulated to be retarded by three mechanisms: sorption, matrix diffusion and corrensite clay sorption. Examination of the data shows there are insufficient valid experimental data in support of sorption and matrix diffusion. Also, the existence of corrensite clay in the postulated flow paths has not been demonstrated. Suggestions are made to gather experimental support for these retardation mechanisms.
OSTI ID:
182975
Report Number(s):
CONF-950917--; ISBN 0-7918-1219-7
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English