Effect of bentonite on radiation induced dissolution of UO2 in an aqueous system

In order to elucidate the impact of bentonite on the process of radiation induced oxidative dissolution of UO2 in an aqueous system, the dissolution of U(VI) and consumption of H2O2 over time has been studied. In addition, γ-irradiation experiments were performed to study a more relevant and complex system, serving as a comparison with the previously stated system. In both cases, the experiments revealed that the presence of bentonite in water could either delay or prevent in part the release of uranium to the environment. The cause is mainly attributed to the scavenging of radiolytic oxidants rather than to the adsorption of uranium onto bentonite.