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Determination of Thermodynamic Properties of Alkaline Earth-liquid Metal Alloys Using the Electromotive Force Technique
Published on: November 3, 2017
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Mercury sequestration in alkaline salt low-level radioactive waste
Eric Ryan McCaslin1, Katie Ann Hill2
1Savannah River National Laboratory, Aiken, SC, USA. eric.mccaslin@srnl.doe.gov.
Environmental Science and Pollution Research International
|January 3, 2025
Summary
Mersorb®, a sulfur-impregnated activated carbon, effectively removes over 96% of methylmercury from radioactive waste. This pretreatment enhances mercury stabilization in saltstone waste forms.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Chemical Engineering
- Waste Management
Background:
- Liquid low-level radioactive waste at Savannah River Site contains inorganic, elemental, and methylmercury.
- This mercury requires stabilization in cementitious waste forms, such as saltstone.
- Soluble mercury reacts with sulfur in blast furnace slag to form β-cinnabar (HgS).
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate Mersorb®, a sulfur-impregnated granular activated carbon, as a pretreatment for mercury removal.
- To assess the effectiveness of Mersorb® in removing methylmercury from simulated tank waste.
- To compare mercury sequestration by slag with and without Mersorb® pretreatment.
Main Methods:
- Simulated tank waste solutions were treated with Mersorb® at varying mass ratios.
- Mercury removal efficiency was measured for methylmercury and inorganic mercury.
- The interaction of mercury species with blast furnace slag was analyzed after contact.
Main Results:
- Mersorb® removed over 96 mass percent of methylmercury at a Mersorb® to mercury mass ratio above 2.5.
- Blast furnace slag sequestered more inorganic mercury than organic mercury after 24 hours.
- Mercury-carbon bonds in Mersorb® are more covalent, impacting mercury sulfide formation.
Conclusions:
- Mersorb® is an effective pretreatment for removing methylmercury from low-level radioactive waste.
- Pretreatment with Mersorb® can improve the overall stabilization of mercury in waste forms.
- Understanding mercury speciation and bonding is crucial for effective waste treatment.
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