Leaching of Radionuclides from a Cement Composite Incorporating Evaporator Concentrates Generated at a Pressurized Water Reactor Nuclear Power Plant

The low- and intermediate-level wastes such as evaporator concentrates have been routinely solidified with cement in a power reactor plant. The leaching behavior of a cement composite incorporating evaporator concentrates produced at a pressurized water reactor nuclear power plant has been studied for safety assessment of the final disposal of waste solids. Leaching tests were carried out in accordance with the method recommended by the International Atomic Energy Agency. Amounts leached were measured as functions of the waste-cement weight ratio (Wa/C), temperature of leachant, and curing time of specimens. 28 refs.