Radionuclide retardation in mica gneiss, unaltered, moderately and strongly altered tonalite was studied by a thin section, batch, in-diffusion and column methods. Objectives were to examine retention processes in different scales and understand the influence of the rock matrix heterogeneity. Attempts were made for a more detailed interpretation of experiments using migration models used in performance assessments adapted for interpreting the laboratory scale experiments. Batch experiments were explained adequately using matrix diffusion-sorption model, instantaneous kinetic sorption model or model in which both mechanisms were taken into account. A numerical code FTRANS was able to interpret in-diffusion of calcium into the saturated porous matrix. Elution curves of calcium for the moderately and strongly altered tonalite fracture columns were explained adequately using FTRANS code and parameters obtained from in-diffusion calculations. K{sub}d-values for intact rock obtained from fracture column experiments were lower than K{sub}d-values for crushed rock indicating that batch experiments overestimate the retardation of radionuclides. Higher sorption and fair dependence on fraction size was obtained for altered tonalites due to the composition of alteration minerals and large specific surface areas.
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