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Diffusive transport of selenium oxyanions in compacted natural clays: role of selenium speciation and clay geochemistry

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Abstract

Predictive subsurface transport of selenium oxyanions is important for the assessment of long-term nuclear waste repository performance, as well as monitoring compliance of selenium presence in groundwater once discharged from industry, agriculture or natural seleniferous minerals. The aim of the present study is to quantify the diffusion of selenite and selenate through water-saturated compacted clays of smectite and illite rich geochemistry. Diffusion coefficient (De) values for selenium oxyanions in argillaceous clay are ̴ 10–12 m2s−1 and are nearly an order of magnitude higher in the bentonite clay. Results indicate the role of clay geochemistry in controlling migration of selenium oxyanions through natural clay.

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Acknowledgements

Authors acknowledge the help and support of Dr. S. Jeyakumar, Head, CCS, RACD and Shri M. K. Saxena, Head, RACD during this work. This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Radioanalytical Chemistry Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, 400085, India

    Sumit Kumar & Annapurna Chandane

  2. Homi Bhabha National Institute, Anushaktinagar, Mumbai, 400094, India

    Sumit Kumar

  3. Technology Development Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, 400085, India

    Rakesh K. Bajpai

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Kumar, S., Chandane, A. & Bajpai, R.K. Diffusive transport of selenium oxyanions in compacted natural clays: role of selenium speciation and clay geochemistry. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 333, 1055–1062 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-024-09353-5

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