Organic analysis of nuclear wastes: An excursion to the hot cell

Analytical methods are being developed for the chemical characterization of nuclear wastes, ranging from low-level commercial wastes to defense wastes. The organic analyses, in particular, have proven to be quite a challenge. The wastes can be very complex: multiphasic, very alkaline or acidic, highly ionic, and extremely radioactive, e.g., 10 R/h. Samples of such wastes have to be prepared in a hot cell facility equipped with remote manipulators. Complex EPA methods for volatile and semivolatile organics have been successfully adapted to the constraints of the radiation facilities. Analytical methods have also been developed for nuclear-related organics not specified by EPA methods, e.g., hydrophilic organics such as chelating and complexing agents, as well as their degradation products, using gas chromatography (GC) and combined GC-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The organic content of nuclear wastes analyzed to date can be quite complex and abundant, ranging from nonpolar to polar organics. Organic diagenesis, or degradation of source-term organics, can be quite vigorous in nuclear wastes