GAMMA-RADIOLYSIS OF EDTA IN A SIMULATED, MIXED NUCLEAR WASTE

The effects of gamma-irradiation on EDTA degradation have been studied . A simulant of Hanford's complex concentrate was prepared by adding E DTA to an inorganic matrix which was formulated based on past analyses of the actual Hanford complex concentrate waste. For the radiolysis s tudy, aliquots of the simulated waste were then gamma-irradiated. Each waste sample was analyzed to monitor the appearance of degradation pr oducts. Based on the results of this study, an assessment of the impac t of EDTA degradation on the management of mixed wastes is offered.