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Tritium in [15O]water, its identification and removal.
T Sasaki1, S Ishii, K Tomiyoshi
1Positron Medical Center, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, Japan. sasaki@pet.tmig.or.jp
Summary
Tritium, a long-lived radionuclide, was identified in [15O]water. A novel method using a palladium catalyst and calcium chloride column effectively removed tritium, aiding radioactive waste disposal.
Area of Science:
- Nuclear Chemistry
- Radiochemistry
- Environmental Science
Background:
- [15O]water is synthesized using the nuclear reaction 14N(d,n)15O.
- Long-lived radionuclides can complicate radioactive waste disposal.
Purpose of the Study:
- Identify long-lived radionuclides in [15O]water.
- Determine the chemical forms of these radionuclides.
- Develop a method for radionuclide removal to facilitate waste disposal.
Main Methods:
- Nuclear reaction 14N(d,n)15O for 15O production.
- Analysis of physical half-life and beta-ray energy spectrum for radionuclide identification.
- Gas chromatography and mass spectrometry for chemical form determination.
- Catalytic conversion and adsorption for radionuclide removal.
Main Results:
- Tritium was identified as the long-lived radionuclide in [15O]water.
- The predominant chemical form of tritium was molecular hydrogen.
- A method involving a heated palladium catalyst and a calcium chloride column effectively removed tritium radioactivity.
- Tritium removal did not significantly impact [15O]water yield.
Conclusions:
- Tritium is a significant long-lived radionuclide contaminant in [15O]water.
- A practical and efficient method for tritium removal from [15O]water was developed.
- This method facilitates radioactive waste management and disposal.