Enhanced Plutonium Mobility During Long-Term Transport Through an Unsaturated Subsurface Environment
Plutonium moved more rapidly through vadose zone sediments than previous thought possible. Based on field studies conducted for up to 11 years and supplemental laboratory studies, it was hypothesized that periodic sediment drying caused the very slow release of tightly bound Pu into the mobile aqueous phase, presumably by oxidation of Pu(IV) to the more mobile Pu(V). Of particular interest, was that this release occurred in sediments, that when saturated with groundwater, promoted rapid reduction of Pu to the less mobile form, Pu(IV). Accurate prediction of Pu transport through the vadose zone is important because this region is expected to provide an important buffer between disposed nuclear waste and the biosphere.
- Research Organization:
- Savannah River Site (SRS), Aiken, SC (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- US Department of Energy (US)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC09-96SR18500
- OSTI ID:
- 821121
- Report Number(s):
- WSRC-MS-2003-00889; SCEHDK; TRN: US0400651
- Journal Information:
- Science, Other Information: PBD: 23 Jan 2004; ISSN 0193-4511
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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