Dynamics of Radioactive Nuclides in Heterogenenous Dispersive Systems

This PhD thesis is closely linked to the Ignalina NPP decommissioning activities and radioactive waste management as well as related to the searching for effective and low-cost materials which could operate as technogenic and natural barriers. The aim of the work is to evaluate equilibrium and kinetic sorption parameters in heterogeneous systems as well as to investigate sorption mechanisms and processes responsible for radionuclide removal from liquid radioactive waste and retention by artificial and natural barriers. Synthesized sorbents (titanium silicates and iron oxides) were used in sorption experiments. Samples of loam originated from the Galilaukė site and Triassic clay from industrial Šaltiškiai quarry selected as a candidate for the engineered barrier of the Lithuanian near-surface repository were taken for laboratory investigations. The sorption parameters (distribution coefficient (Kd), kinetic coefficients) of Cs, Pu and Am for newly synthesized inorganic sorbents, iron oxides and clay minerals have been evaluated. It has been determined that titanium silicates synthesized using TiOSO4 are the most suitable for Cs isotope removal from contaminated solutions. The largest Pu Kd values and better sorption kinetics were determined for synthesized iron oxides. It has been found that gradients of competitive ion concentrations and variations in pH values can interfere Cs, Am and Pu retention by engineered barriers made from Šaltiškiai clay. It has been determined that different sorption mechanisms are responsible for Cs sorption by Šaltiškiai clay at low and high concentrations. Solvent extraction techniques were verified with respect to determination of Pu(III) in the liquid- and solid-phase