Using portland cement for encapsulation of epipremnum aureum generated from phytoremediation process of liquid radioactive wastes

Phyto remediation process was recommended for treatment of low and intermediate level liquid radioactive waste. Epipremnum aureum (golden pothas plant) was used to bioabsorbe, bioaccumulate and biostabilize Cs-137 and Co-60 from simulated waste solution containing both radionuclides. After the phyto remediation process, the collected golden pothas was solidified using portland cement aiming at complete and safe management scheme. In this part of work x-ray diffraction , infrared analysis and electron microscope examination as non-destructive techniques were used to evaluate the characteristics of obtained final waste forms of cemented golden pothas. In addition, mechanical, porosity and chemical optimizations were performed under various experimental parameters to asses the suitability of the two processes i.e. phyto remediation and cementation for managing these wastes categories. The experimental results obtained confirmed that encapsulation of 3 % dry ground golden pothas that collected from treatment process of radioactive waste solution, in cement materials did not affect the hydration, setting and curing of the cement matrix. In addition , the obtained cemented waste form exhibits acceptable constitutions that comply with the final disposal requirements.