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Title: Thorium Reactions in Borosilicate-Glass/Water Systems

Journal Article · · Radiochimica Acta

Studies were conducted on the dissolution of Th-doped borosilicate glass, a complex assemblage of 24 different elements in various proportions, in a wide range of pH values (0.5 to 12) and carbonate (as high as 6.2 m) and bicarbonate (as high as 1.0 m) concentrations, and as a function of time to determine whether the dissolution exhibits an equilibrium phenomenon and to ascertain whether existing thermodynamic data can be used to interpret these results. Measurable Th concentrations were observed in either the very acidic (pH 0.5 to 4) solutions or alkaline solutions containing relatively high carbonate/bicarbonate concentrations. Steady state Th concentrations were reached over time from both the oversaturation and undersaturation directions, indicating that Th concentrations are controlled by an equilibrium solubility phenomenon.

Research Organization:
Pacific Northwest National Lab. (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
DOE Contract Number:
AC05-76RL01830
OSTI ID:
859957
Report Number(s):
PNNL-SA-42120; RAACAP; 600301020; TRN: US0504856
Journal Information:
Radiochimica Acta, Vol. 93, Issue 8; ISSN 0033-8230
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English