A thermodynamic study of decontamination of soils contaminated with 137Cs radionuclide as the results of accident at Chernobyl NPP

Thermodynamic characteristics of the process of soil decontamination from 137Cs by the their washing with eluting solution, Fe(3) and ammonium being included in its composition, have been determined. The decontamination process is 137Cs desorption as a result of destruction of cesium chelate complexes with humic acids. Fe3+ and Fe(OH)2+ substitution for Cs+ in the soils occurs spontaneously as a thermodynamically efficient process. 3 refs.; 1 fig