Adsorption and stability prior to analysis of simulated nuclear waste leachate

Before analytical compositional analysis can be applied to the evaluation of the nuclear waste leachates, the credibility of the sample must be demonstrated. During the leaching in neutral to basic aqueous conditions the adsorption of metal ions onto the walls of the Teflon leach vessels was demonstrated. The adsorption was found to be variable for both zinc and neodymium. The resolubilization of zinc and neodymium using dilute nitric acid proved effective prior to analysis. Certain elemental groups represented by cesium, barium, and strontium demonstrated resistance to container adsorption during leaching under these conditions. The maintenance of a dissolved analytical sample was followed and demonstrated for at least seven weeks following the postleaching procedure