Radionuclide and metal sorption on cement and concrete

Michael Ochs, Dirk Mallants, Lian Wang

Research outputpeer-review

Abstract

Cementitious materials are used as a solidification/stabilisation materials for the purpose of conditioning and disposal of chemical and radioactive wastes, primarily due to their favourable retention properties for metals, radionuclides and other contaminants. The retention properties result from mineral phases in cement that possess a high density of reactive sites for the fixation of contaminants through sorption and incorporation reactions. This book presents a state of the art review and evaluation of the type and magnitude of the sorption and incorporation processes in cement for 25 elements relevant to radioactive and industrial wastes. Effects of cement ageing on retention are evaluated and quantified. A quantitative database on the solid/liquid distribution behaviour of contaminants in hydrated cement systems is established by reviewing literature data. In addition to recommended values, original experimental data are provided, which allows users to trace the given recommendations or to develop their own set of key values. This database is used for safety analysis of near surface disposal of radioactive waste in Belgium. It focuses on radioelements, toxic stable elements and heavy metals, which makes it relevant for investigations involving the interaction of radioactive and conventional contaminants with cement-based barriers.
Original languageEnglish
Place of PublicationSwitzerland
PublisherSpringer
Number of pages301
Edition1
ISBN (Print)978-3-319-23651-3
StatePublished - Nov 2015

Publication series

NameTopics in Safety, Risk, Reliability and Quality
No.29

Cite this