The application of neutron activation analysis to leach rate studies

The applicability of neutron activation analysis to the determination of element release from simulated nuclear waste forms during leaching is described for three different glasses. Potential neutron irradiation effects are discussed and shown, through a series of leach tests on activated and nonactivated glass samples, to have no discernible effect on the release of silicon and cesium during leaching. The radioisotopes best suited for analysis with this method and their associated detection limits are identified and the method's applicability to waste forms other than glass is discussed.