Hostname: page-component-848d4c4894-v5vhk Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-06-19T05:15:28.750Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

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.
Get access

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

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

REFERENCES

1. BNFL, Drigg Post-Closure Safety Case: Overview Report (2002).Google Scholar
2. Watts, L., Development of the Post-Closure Safety Case for the Low Level Waste Disposal Site at Drigg, United Kingdom. (2001). (Mat. Res. Soc. Proc. 73) pp. 243–253 Google Scholar
3. Beadle, I, Humphreys, P.N., Pettit, C.L. and Small, J., Integrating Microbiology into the Drigg post-closure radiological safety assessment, (2001). (Mat. Res. Soc. Proc. 663) pp. 665–574.Google Scholar
4. Valasimi-Jones, E. and McEldowny, S. (2000). Mineral dissolution by he terotrophic bacteria: principles and methodologies. In: Environmental Microbiology, Microbial Interactions, Anthropogenic Influences, Contaminated Land and Wastes Management. (Edited by Treloar, P.G.) pp 27–52.Google Scholar
5. Humphreys, P. N., McGarry, R., Trivedi, D. P., Johnstone, T., Binks, P. and Howarth, D. C. DRINK, A Biogeochemical Source Term Model for Low Level Radioactive Waste Disposal Sites (1997). FEMS Microbiological Reviews, Vol 20, 557.Google Scholar
6. Small, J.S, Abraitis, P.K., Beadle, I.R., Johnstone, T.L., Kelly, P., Pettit, C.L., and Stevens, G.A., A Comparison of Site Characterisation Data and modelling Results from a Radiological Assessment of the Drigg Low Level Radioactive Waste Disposal Site (2003). MRS Kalamar 2003, In press.Google Scholar
7. Parkhurst, D.L., Thorstenson, D.C. and Plummer, L.N. (1980) PHREEQE - A computer program for geochemical calculations, USGS, USA.Google Scholar