Waste management studies

In Environmental Sciences Division annual progress report for period ending September 30, 1973. Field reconnaissance of the ORNL burial grounds has been completed, and installation of groundwater wells for systematic evaluation of suspected leaching areas is in progress. Mathematical models have been written to follow the movement of water and radionuclides in terrestrial environments. Laboratory studies are being conducted on biologic denitrification of high-nitrate wastes emanating from nuclear installations. Rate constants have been obtained for columnar denitrification, and factors affecting column life are being investigated. Special cements for sealing boreholes have been investigated. Cement propenties, including strength, permeability, expansion, sulfate resistance, and bonding qualities, have been determined; these studies are in support of the Bedded Salt Pilot Plant Project for the disposal of radioactive wastes. A field-scale demonstration of borehole plugging is under way. (auth)