Boehmite sorbs perrhenate and pertechnetate

Boehmite and Al-oxyhydroxide gels sorb ReO4-, a non-radioactive analogue of TcO4- from NaNO3 solutions. Sorption appears to be substantially electrost atic (though there appears to be a specific preference for ReO4- over NO3-) and is most effective at pH < 8. Measured K-d's Lie between 5 and 105 mi g (-1), depending on the solid, pH, and ionic strength. ReO4- and TcO4- are b oth partially removed from high pH Hanford-type acid waste simulants upon n eutralization and formation of Al-rich sludges. We therefore propose that s equestration of Te by boehmite limits dissolved Te levels in the near and s ub-surface environment and for that purpose boehmite might be relied on as a backfill, or reactive barrier, to limit environmental transport of Tc.