Strontium adsorption behaviour of soils at NSDF location

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Strontium being a major component of low level nuclear waste, its adsorption behaviour is studied at a Near Surface Disposal Facility in the presence of co-ions to understand its transport through vadose zone. The study conducted with soil at two locations of a proposed NSDF with depth through batch experiments with Strontium and in the presence of co-ions like Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium and Potassium which are commonly present in soil. The experiments conducted to study kinetics of adsorption (first and second order), adsorption intensity, free energy value, fitting the data in standard adsorption isotherms like Langmuir and Freundlich and evaluation of adsorption parameters. The experimental maximum adsorption values are compared with Isotherm fit parameters. The distribution coefficients for Strontium and in the presence of co-ions are evaluated to study the behaviour of adsorption. The study also includes different concentrations of co-ions and a combination of co-ions to study the combined effect. The relative replaceability of ions is studied based on their hydrated radii, gave the preference of ions for adsorption by soil studied. The study indicate Strontium adsorption is a favourable physical process based on isotherms, distribution coefficient, adsorption intensity. The study also brings out the reduction in Strontium adsorption due to presence of various co-ions individually and combined. The outcome of this study is important in the study of migration of radio nuclides to subsoil and groundwater in the event of leakages through Near Surface Disposal Facilities where low level nuclear waste is stored.

9th International Congress on Environmental Geotechnics (ICEG2023)

Contaminant Fate and Transport