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Near-field/Far-field Interface of a Near-Surface Low-Level Radioactive Waste Site

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 February 2011

I. R. Beadle ,
J. Graham ,
S. Boult ,
V. L. Hand ,
P. Warwick ,
M. G. Randall ,
D. P. Trivedi  and
P. N. Humphreys
I. R. Beadle
Affiliation:
British Nuclear Fuels plc, Risley, Warrington, Cheshire, WA3 6AS, UK.
J. Graham
Affiliation:
British Nuclear Fuels plc, Risley, Warrington, Cheshire, WA3 6AS, UK.
S. Boult
Affiliation:
University of Manchester, Department of Earth Sciences, Manchester, UK.
V. L. Hand
Affiliation:
University of Manchester, Department of Earth Sciences, Manchester, UK.
P. Warwick
Affiliation:
University of Loughborough, Department of Chemistry, Loughborough, LE11 3TU, UK.
M. G. Randall
Affiliation:
British Nuclear Fuels plc, Risley, Warrington, Cheshire, WA3 6AS, UK.
D. P. Trivedi
Affiliation:
British Nuclear Fuels plc, Risley, Warrington, Cheshire, WA3 6AS, UK.
P. N. Humphreys
Affiliation:
British Nuclear Fuels plc, Risley, Warrington, Cheshire, WA3 6AS, UK.
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Abstract

Experimental and Modelling studies have been used to investigate the biogeochemical processes occurring at the interface zone between the near-field and far-field of the Drigg Low-Level radioactive Waste (LLW) trenches. These have led to a conceptual model of interface biogeochemistry, which has subsequently been modelled by the BNFL code known as the Generalised Repository Model (GRM). GRM simulations suggest that as organic rich leachate migrates into the far-field, iron III minerals such as iron hydroxide will dissolve, and reduced iron minerals such as siderite will precipitate due to microbial processes. Batch and column experimental studies have verified this conceptual understanding. Some unexpected processes, such as the presence of nitrate enhancing sulphate reduction, were also observed

Type
Research Article
Information
MRS Online Proceedings Library (OPL) , Volume 807: Symposium Scientific Basis for Nuclear Waste Management XXVII , 2003 , 835
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 2004

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References

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