The leachability of decontamination ion-exchange resins solidified in cement at operating nuclear power plants

Data are presented on the release of radionuclides, stable metals, and organic reagents from decontamination ion-exchange resin wastes solidified in Portland cement. Both solidified and unsolidified decontamination resin waste samples were collected from five commercial light water reactors following chemical decontaminations of primary coolant systems. The decontaminations were performed using the Can-Decon, AP/Citrox, Dow NS-1, and LOMI processes. Samples of unsolidified decontamination resin waste were analyzed for concentrations of 10 CFR Part 61 radionuclides, selected transition metals, and organic chelating and complexing agents. The organic acids included oxalic acid, citric acid, formic acid, picolinic acid, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), and diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DPTA). Seven solidified resin waste samples were leached in deionized water following the ANS 16.1 leach-test procedure. Releases rates and leachability indexes of radionuclides, transition metals, and organic acids were determined. Analytical methods are described which were used to measure organic acids in resin wastes and in leachate solutions generated during leach-testing of waste form samples. Gas-liquid and ion chromatography methods were developed which allowed detection of organic acids in the tenths-of-a-ppM range. 59 refs., 65 figs., 55 tabs