Lysimeter studies to investigate the leaching of 241Am from low level radioactive waste

Kelly, E. J.; Bell, D.; Johnstone, T.

doi:10.1016/s0925-8388(98)00059-0

Cited by 6 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 3 publications

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“…To place the obtained results in prespective, we performed a comprehensive literature search and found out that, to the best of our knowledge, only about 20 reports have evaluated leaching behavior of sequestered 241 Am (we used cerium in the current studies as a surrogate). Of the approximately 20 publications, − only five of them reported the data associated with leaching kinetics of 241 Am. − Despite none of these studies being performed on MOFs, the leaching rates for the other materials such as perovskites, , phosphate ceramics, and zeolites , are on the order of 10 –1 –10 –6 g m –2 ·day –1 , which are in line with the leaching rates presented in our manuscript for MOFs (∼10 –5 g m –2 ·day –1 ).…”

Section: Resultssupporting

confidence: 84%

Capture Instead of Release: Defect-Modulated Radionuclide Leaching Kinetics in Metal–Organic Frameworks

et al. 2022

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Comparison of defect-controlled leaching-kinetics modulation of metal−organic frameworks (MOFs) and porous functionalized silica-based materials was performed on the example of a radionuclide and radionuclide surrogate for the first time, revealing an unprecedented readsorption phenomenon. On a series of zirconium-based MOFs as model systems, we demonstrated the ability to capture and retain >99% of the transuranic 241 Am radionuclide after 1 week of storage. We report the possibility of tailoring radionuclide release kinetics in MOFs through framework defects as a function of postsynthetically installed organic ligands including cation-chelating crown ether-based linkers. Based on comprehensive analysis using spectroscopy (EXAFS, UV−vis, FTIR, and NMR), X-ray crystallography (single crystal and powder), and theoretical calculations (nine kinetics models and structure simulations), we demonstrated the synergy of radionuclide integration methods, topological restrictions, postsynthetic scaffold modification, and defect engineering. This combination is inaccessible in any other material and highlights the advantages of using well-defined frameworks for gaining fundamental knowledge necessary for the advancement of actinide-based material development, providing a pathway for addressing upcoming challenges in the nuclear waste administration sector.

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Section: Resultssupporting

confidence: 84%

Capture Instead of Release: Defect-Modulated Radionuclide Leaching Kinetics in Metal–Organic Frameworks

et al. 2022

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“…the top soil layer under the influence of plant roots) may increase 241 Am activity in leachate as a result of acidification and complexation by organic acids exudated by roots and soil microorganisms (Carlsen, 1989;Lu et al, 1998) as it has been demonstrated for heavy metals from mine tailings (Banks et al, 1994;Burckhard et al, 1995). If a great deal of research has been done to assess the distribution and total inventories of 241 Am in surface soils, few studies have tried to understand 241 Am mobility in these environments (Kelly et al, 1998;Bundt et al, 2000;Morris and Raiswell, 2002;Sokolik et al, 2003), even though such understanding stands as a crucial point for risk assessments. At present risk assessment models use a single parameter, the partition coefficient, to apportion contaminant concentrations between dissolved and solid phases (Carroll and Harms, 1999).…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Am-241 remobilization in a calcareous soil under simplified rhizospheric conditions studied by column experiments

Perrier

Martin-Garin

Morello

2005

Journal of Environmental Radioactivity

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Investigation of the radiation risk due to environmental contamination by 241Am from lightning rods disposed at uncontrolled garbage dumps

Marumo

Isiki

Miyamoto

et al. 2007

Radiat Environ Biophys

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Radioactive lightning rods were manufactured in Brazil until 1989, when the licenses for using radioactive sources in these products were lifted by the national nuclear authority. Since then, these rods have been replaced by the Franklin type and collected as radioactive waste. However, only 20% of the estimated total number of installed rods has been delivered to the Brazilian Nuclear Commission. This situation causes concern, since there is the possibility of the rods to be disposed as domestic waste. In Brazil, 64% of the municipal solid waste is disposed at garbage dumps without sufficient control. In addition, (241)Am, the radionuclide most commonly employed, is classified as a high-toxicity element, when incorporated. In the present study, (241)Am migration experiments were performed by means of a lysimeter system, in order to evaluate the risk of contamination caused by radioactive lightning rods disposed as common solid waste. (241)Am sources removed from lightning rods were placed inside lysimeters filled with organic waste that was collected at the restaurant of the Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas e Nucleares. The generated leachate was periodically analyzed, and characteristics such as pH, redox potential, solid content and the concentration of the radioactive material were determined. The equivalent dose for members of the public was calculated considering ingestion of contaminated drinking water as the major path of exposure. Estimated doses were about 20-times below the effective dose limit of 1 mSv year(-1) for members of the public as recommended by the International Commission on Radiological Protection. This suggests the radiation risk caused by lightning rods disposed at uncontrolled garbage dumps to be low. It should be noted, however, that the number of investigated lightning rods was quite small. The results of this study might therefore not be entirely representative and should be interpreted with care. They provide, however, a very first basis for characterizing the transfer of (241)Am from lightning rods to the human food chain.

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Lysimeter studies to investigate the leaching of 241Am from low level radioactive waste

Cited by 6 publications

References 3 publications

Capture Instead of Release: Defect-Modulated Radionuclide Leaching Kinetics in Metal–Organic Frameworks

Capture Instead of Release: Defect-Modulated Radionuclide Leaching Kinetics in Metal–Organic Frameworks

Am-241 remobilization in a calcareous soil under simplified rhizospheric conditions studied by column experiments

Investigation of the radiation risk due to environmental contamination by 241Am from lightning rods disposed at uncontrolled garbage dumps

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