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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 15 February 2011
Sorptive properties of weathered dunites, gabbro-diabases and basic volcanic rocks for Sr and Cs were studied. The results show that the sorptive capacities of these rocks are equivalent to or, in some cases, superior to industrial sorptive materials. Results of a uranium distribution study by fission-track radiography suggest that material from weathered basic rocks is characterized by high sorptive properties for uranium also. One can assume that other radionuclides of the transuranic group will be intensely sor-bed by the residuum of weathered basic rocks. Low-temperature hyd-rothermal transformation leads to sealing fissures of the basic rocks with highly sorptive minerals, for example, smectite, chlorite, serpentine, talc, zeolite, hydroxides of Fe, Ti, Mn. The process results in contemporaneous decreasing hydraulic conductivity and increasing sorptive capacity of the rocks. HLW disposal at the radiochemical plant “Mayak” is expected to be produced in deep wells situated in basaltic rocks. The safety of disposal is based on high sorptive properties of the crust of weathering and protective capacities of volcanic rocks. This method is not expensive and may allow the disposal of HLW in the near future.