Aqueous Thermodynamics and Complexation Reactions of Anionic Silica Species to High Concentration: Effects on Neutralization of Leaked Tank Wastes and Migration of Radionuclides in the Subsurface

摘要

Highly basic tank wastes contain several important radionuclides, including (sup 90)Sr, (sup 99)Tc, and (sup 60)Co, as well as actinide elements (i.e., isotopes of U, Pu, and Am). These highly basic tank wastes are known to have leaked into the vadose zone at the Hanford Site. Upon entering the sediments in the vadose zone, the highly basic solutions dissolve large concentrations of silica from the silica and aluminosilicate minerals present in the subsurface. These dissolution reactions alter the chemical composition of the leaking solutions, transforming them from a highly basic (as high as 2M NaOH) solution into a pore solution with a very high concentration of dissolved silica and a significantly reduced pH. This moderately basic (pH 9 to 11), high-silica solution has the potential to complex radionuclides and move through the subsurface. Such strong radionuclide complexation is a currently unconsidered transport vector that has the potential to expedite radionuclide transport through the vadose zone.