Thesis
Characterization of the Hanford 300 Area: immobilization of uranium in vadose zone
Washington State University
Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
2010
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/102867
Abstract
The persistence of a uranium-contaminated groundwater plume in the 300 Area of the Hanford Site has prompted interest into investigations of remedial technologies for uranium. Remediation using polyphosphate solutions to form autunite [Ca(UO2)2(PO4)2·nH2O] utilizing apatite [Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2] have exhibited favorable results in laboratory developments, yet field conditions have prohibited their success. The jet injection technology has demonstrated its ability to emplace phosphate solutions and solid apatite into Hanford sediments and would only require slight modification prior to this deployment. A triple fluid injection system would provide components for autunite formation, as well as pre-formed apatite, to address residual uranium contamination in vadose zone and smear zone sediments within the 300 Area. The resulting autunite would occupy some of the available pore space thus limiting intrusion of groundwater into the smear zone, which is believed to contribute to groundwater uranium contamination through desorption. The pre-formed apatite may serve as seed crystals for additional autunite formation along with providing long-term treatment capacity for uranium. Laboratory and bench-scale studies would supplement existing knowledge and strengthen the argument for support from the regulatory agencies. The recommended jet injection technology in this thesis would circumvent existing emplacement issues associated with the highly investigated and relatively mature polyphosphate technology.
Metrics
1 File views/ downloads
8 Record Views
Details
- Title
- Characterization of the Hanford 300 Area
- Creators
- Brian Patrick Esparza
- Contributors
- H. Beyenal (Degree Supervisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering, School of
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
- Publisher
- Washington State University; [Pullman, Washington] :
- Identifiers
- 99900525125301842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Thesis