Leaching kinetics of 54Mn and 89Sr radionuclides fixed in cement­vermiculite composition

Leach characteristics of 54Mn and 85Sr radionuclides from ordinary Portland cement have been studied using International Atomic Energy’s (IAEA) standard leach method. The retardation factors, KF, and coefficients of distribution, kd, have been determined using a simplified mathematical model for analyzing the migration of radionuclides. The lowest leaching values after 60 days were achieved in samples with 5% of vermiculite. Results presented in this paper are the examples of results obtained in a 10 year mortar and concrete testing project, which will influence the design of the engineered trench system for a future central Serbian radioactive waste storage center.