GAS GENERATION FROM CONTACT OF RADIOACTIVE-WASTE AND BRINE

Defense related activities have produced a legacy of waste that must n ow be addressed. Temporary storage of the waste presents a great risk to the environment from potential release of radioactive material. Thi s has resulted in the need fora permanent waste repository. One aspect to verify that a permanent repository is feasible is to study the eff ects of radioactive waste when integrated into the disposal environmen t Specific studies have been performed that study the gas generated fr om the direct contact of possible repository brine and radioactive was te. Four factors have been identified which influence the production o f gases: radiolysis, microbial activity, corrosion, and evolved residu al gas. The influence of these variables on the relative rates and tot al quantity of gases generated from waste contacted by brine are prese nted.