A METHOD FOR TREATING RADIOACTIVE NITRIC ACID WASTES USING PARAFORMALDEHYDE

A method for treating radioactive nitric acid wastes with paraformaldehyde (HCHO) is described. The method is direct and the prcducts, carbon dioxide, water, and oxides of nitrogen, can be exhausted through filters to the atmosphere. The reaction is not violent and can be controlled by the rate of addition of HCHO. Experimental results on a waste solution, 8 N in HNO/sub 3/ with 400 ppm of iron, and a molecular ratio of HNO/sub 3/ to HCHO of 1.7 to 1, indicate a reduction cf 40% in the final volume. (C.J.G.)