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Detailed Description of a Long-Term Low-Level Waste Degradation Experiment

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 September 2012

F. Caron
Affiliation:
Atomic Energy of Canada Limited, Environmental Research Branch, Chalk River Laboratories, Chalk River, ON, KOJ 1 JO, Caronf@aecl.ca.
J. Torok
Affiliation:
Atomic Energy of Canada Limited, Waste Technology, Chalk River Laboratories, Chalk River, ON, KOJ 1 JO, Caronf@aecl.ca.
M. K. Haas
Affiliation:
Atomic Energy of Canada Limited, Environmental Research Branch, Chalk River Laboratories, Chalk River, ON, KOJ 1 JO, Caronf@aecl.ca.
G. Manni
Affiliation:
CANDU Operations, Sheridan Park 2285 Speakman Dr. Mississauga, ON, L5K 1B2
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Abstract

This work gives a detailed description of the important aspects of a long-term Low-Level Radioactive Waste (LLRW) degradation experiment, performed at Chalk River Laboratories (CRL). This experiment utilized actual LLRW. The wastes consist of unconditioned compacted refuse (paper, mop heads, paper towels, used clothing, etc), which represents the bulk of the waste volume intended for near-surface disposal at CRL. Waste material was collected and compacted to make a total of 11 bales for this experiment. Each bale was then placed and sealed in separate steel containers which were connected to sampling lines. After a dry monitoring period, water was added to promote leaching and decomposition of the wastes. The leachate sampled had a composition similar to landfill leachates. Some applications of this experiment, used to support the safety case of near-surface disposal, are briefly discussed in this paper, e.g., the production of colloidal material, the nature and role of dissolved organics of microbial origin, etc.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 1997

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References

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