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Solubility of neptunium oxide in the KURT (KAERI Underground Research Tunnel) groundwater

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Abstract

The solubilities of NpO2(s) in the KURT (KAERI Underground Research Tunnel) granitic groundwater with low ionic strength were measured experimentally and calculated by a geochemical code. Then these results were compared with each other as well as with foreign results. The concentrations of neptunium were measured as 6·10−8−2·10−8 mol/L at a pH = 9.5–11.1 and Eh = −0.2 V, and less than 5·10−9 mol/L at a pH = 11.8–13.0 and Eh = −0.3–0.44 V. The dominant aqueous species were presumed as Np(OH)x(CO3)y 4−x−2y complexes and Np(OH)4(aq) at pH = 9.5–13 under the Eh<−0.2 V reducing condition.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. HLW Disposal Division, Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, 1045 Daedeok-daero, Yuseong, Daejeon, 305-353, Korea

    S. S. Kim, M. H. Baik & K. C. Kang

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  1. S. S. Kim
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  2. M. H. Baik
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  3. K. C. Kang
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Correspondence to S. S. Kim.

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Kim, S.S., Baik, M.H. & Kang, K.C. Solubility of neptunium oxide in the KURT (KAERI Underground Research Tunnel) groundwater. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 280, 577–583 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-009-7481-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-009-7481-y

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