Effects of Metals and Metal Oxides on the Leaching of Nuclear Waste Glasses

The effects of the presence of various metals and metal oxides on the leaching of nuclear waste glasses in water can be considerable even under rapid flow conditions. The systems studied here include SRL TDS-131 glass in the presence of lead and stainless steel, and PNL 76-68 glass in the presence of aluminum, alumina and their mixtures. Lead specifically suppresses dissolved silica, but does not inhibit dissolution of defense waste glass as a whole. Stainless steel specifically reduces the levels of dissolved Ca and Sr. Al and Al2O3 exercise a general reducing effect on the rates of dissolution of commercial waste glass and the presence of alumina may have a beneficial role in enhancing waste package durability.