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Effects of Hanford high-level waste components on the solubility of cobalt, strontium, neptunium, plutonium, and americium

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:5335758

Experiments have been performed to identify Hanford high-level waste (HLW) solution components that significantly affect the solubility of cobalt, strontium, neptunium, plutonium, and americium. Further tests which quantified the effects of the significant components on strontium, plutonium, and americium solubility were also performed. The compounds controlling radioelement solubility were not identified. Twelve HLW solution components were studied. The components HEDTA and EDTA increased cobalt, strontium, and americium solubility through complexation of the metal ions. Americium solubility was also increased through apparent complexation by hydroxyacetate and citrate. Sodium nitrite decreased neptunium solubility by reduction of Np(VI) to the less soluble Np(V) oxidation state. Sodium carbonate and HEDTA increased neptunium solubility through complexation while, unexpectedly, EDTA decreased the solubility of neptunium. The components NaNO/sub 3/, NaOH, and NaAlO/sub 2/ increased plutonium solubility through the formation of soluble complexes. 13 references, 3 figures, 5 tables.

Research Organization:
Rockwell International Corp., Richland, WA (USA). Rockwell Hanford Operations
DOE Contract Number:
AC06-77RL01030
OSTI ID:
5335758
Report Number(s):
RHO-RE-ST-3-P; ON: DE84006525
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English