Immobilization of Cs-137 and Co-60 in a concrete matrix. Part two: Mathematical modeling of transport phenomena

Abstract

Our previous work has evaluated the leaching of Cs-137 and Co-60 from a waste composite into a surrounding fluid and the determination of retardation factors, KF, and coefficients of distribution, kd, using a simplified mathematical model for analyzing the migration of radionuclides. In our experiment, we have analyzed the mechanism of Cs-137 and Co-60 leaching values during a period of 60 days. Particularly, we have investigated here the latter modified scenario. Transport phenomena involved in the leaching of a radioactive material from a cement composite matrix are investigated using an empirical method employing a polynomial equation. Results presented in this paper are examples of results obtained in a 25-year mortar and concrete testing project, which will influence the design of the engineered trenches system for a future central Serbian radioactive waste storage center.