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Natural Analogues in Radioactive Waste Disposal pp 92–103Cite as

Uranium in Selected Endorheic Basins as Partial Analogue for Spent Fuel Behavior in Salt

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Part of the book series: Radioactive Waste Management Series ((RADW))

Summary

If uranium (U) behavior with respect to the components of certain endorheic (closed) basin subsurface, playa, or terminal lake brines were quantitatively understood, the ability to predict the long-term redistribution of emplaced U among analogous components of salt formations may be enhanced. Tests that determine the nature of U interactions with pure mineral and organic matter surfaces are important, but studying the natural systems available could give indications of long-term stabilities of processes, and of preferential processes. For example, some metals present in trace quantities, such as U, may be coprecipitated in the oxidized zone with an evaporite mineral that may afterward undergo diagenesis, especially if conditions become more reducing. During diagenesis, the trace metal may be remobilized, but scavenged by sulfides or organic particulates, leaving the evaporite mineral depleted of its trace metal content. A survey of the literature shows some trace metal behavior in closed basins has been studied. However, information on U consists of only a few abundance determinations for some evaporite systems. Obtaining and interpreting natural analogue data for the U and Th decay series in selected endorheic basin environments is suggested.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Performance Assessment Scientific Support Program Waste Technology Center, Pacific Northwest Laboratory, USA

    A. E. Van Luik

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  1. A. E. Van Luik
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  1. Commission of the European Communities, Rue de la Loi 200, B-1049, Brussels, Belgium

    B. Côme

  2. British Geological Survey, Nicker Hill, NG12 5GG, Keyworth, Nottingham, UK

    N. A. Chapman

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© 1987 ECSC, EEC, EAEC, Brussels and Luxembourg

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Van Luik, A.E. (1987). Uranium in Selected Endorheic Basins as Partial Analogue for Spent Fuel Behavior in Salt. In: Côme, B., Chapman, N.A. (eds) Natural Analogues in Radioactive Waste Disposal. Radioactive Waste Management Series. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-3465-8_9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-3465-8_9

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