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Investigation of Groundwater Composition in Relation to Spent Nuclear Fuel Disposal

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  25 February 2011

Fred Karlsson
Fred Karlsson*
Affiliation:
Swedish Nuclear Fuel Supply Co, Div KBS, Box 5864, S-102 48 Stockholm, Sweden
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Abstract

Groundwater from boreholes in granitic rock at six different sites in Sweden has been sampled and analyzed. Sensitive parameters such as redox potential, pH sulphide– and oxygen content have been measured with a field equipment. This is an integrated part of a program of geological, geophysical, geochemical and hydrogeological investigations with the final aim to select a suitable site for a high-level radioactive waste repository. According to present results deep granitic groundwaters are reducing due to the presence of iron(II) ions. The pH is normally ranging from 7 to 9. The total sulphide content is generally less than 0.5 mg/l. The normal alkalinity range is 90-275 mg/l. Copper, which has been suggested as canister material in the present concept for spent nuclear fuel disposal, is stable in this groundwater environment, except for a very slow sulphide corrosion and a limited initial attack of oxygen from the emplacement operations. The dissolution of the spent nuclear fuel matrix, UO2, is ultimately controlled by the total carbonate concentration. Carbonate content, pH and redox conditions will also be decisive for the mobilities of actinides and technetium. The conditions are generally favouring a high degree of retention for these species in the undisturbed deep groundwater rock environment.

Type
Research Article
Information
MRS Online Proceedings Library (OPL) , Volume 26: Symposium D – Scientific Basis for Nuclear Waste Management VII , 1983 , 209
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 1984

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References

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