The Effect of Radiolytic Degradation Products of Eurobitum on the Solubility and Sorption of Pu and Am in Boom Clay

The potential effect of water-soluble organic ligands, originating from the radiolytic degradation of Eurobitum bituminized waste, on the Pu and Am solubility and sorption in Boom Clay, was assessed. Granulated inactive Eurobitum simulate in contact with representative solutions was gamma-irradiated, and the irradiated solutions were thoroughly analyzed (GC-MS, IC, ICP-AES,…). Pu and Am solubility and sorption tests were then performed in pure Real Boom Clay Water (RCW) and in RCW containing 50 mass% of the solution containing the radiolytic degradation products. The relevance of the applied methodology is discussed.