Fractionation of plutonium in environmental and bio-shielding concrete samples using dynamic sequential extraction

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Nuclear Chemistry
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Nuclear reactor decommissioning generates radioactive waste containing plutonium isotopes.
• Understanding plutonium mobility in different matrices is crucial for safe waste management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fractionate and quantify plutonium isotopes in environmental samples and nuclear waste materials.
• To assess the mobility of plutonium in bio-shielding concrete compared to soil and sediment.

Main Methods:

• Dynamic sequential extraction using an on-line sequential injection (SI) system.
• Separation of plutonium fractions via ion exchange chromatography.
• Measurement of plutonium isotopes using alpha spectrometry.

Main Results:

• Plutonium isotopes ((238)Pu, (239,240)Pu) were successfully fractionated from environmental samples and concrete.
• Higher mobility of plutonium was observed in bio-shielding concrete samples.

Conclusions:

• Plutonium exhibits greater mobility in bio-shielding concrete, posing potential risks.
• Special attention is required for the treatment and disposal of nuclear waste from decommissioning, particularly concrete.
• The developed SI-based sequential extraction method is effective for plutonium fractionation and analysis.