Iodine sequestration using delafossites and layered hydroxides

Abstract

The objective of this document is to report on the early success for sequestering 129I. Sorption coefficients (Kd) for I- and IO3- onto delafossites, spinels and layered metal hydroxides were measured and compared for their applicability to sequester 129I. The studies were performed using a dilute fluid composition representative of groundwater indigenous to the Yucca mountain area. Delafossites generally exhibited relatively poor sorption coefficients (<35 mL/g). In contrast, the composition of the layered hydroxides significantly affects their ability to sorb I. Cu/Al and Cu/Cr layered hydroxide samples exhibit Kd's greater than 1000 mL/g for both I- and IO3-. © Springer-Verlag 2006.