Adsorption and diffusion of selenite on Boda Claystone Formation

This study provides adsorption and diffusion data of selenite on Boda Claystone Formation (BCF) which is a potential host rock of a deep geological disposal of high-level radioactive waste. The experiments were per-formed on two diverse core samples: one albitic claystone sample characteristic for the entire BCF and one pyrite containing sample sparsely occurring in BCF. The experiments were carried out under atmospheric conditions. Batch experiments were carried out to study the kinetics of adsorption at a high initial concentration (1.2 x 10-3 M), the adsorption isotherms and reversibility were investigated in the 10- 10-10- 3 M concentration range. Adsorption onto petrographic thin sections was done to study the elemental distribution on the microscale and the oxidation state of selenium. The maximum of the distribution coefficient was found as Kd approximate to 200 L/kg and a decrease was experienced around 10-6-10-7 M equilibrium concentration, which showed similarities to other argillaceous rocks. Isotopic exchange experiments revealed reversibility of selenite adsorption. Diffusion was studied with through-diffusion and in-diffusion experiments. Using X-ray fluorescence, despite a low initial concentration of 2.3 x 10-5 M in the in-diffusion experiment, a meaningful diffusion profile of selenium could be obtained, from which the selenite apparent diffusion coefficient Dapp selenite = (1.5-4.3) x 10-14 m2/s and the selenite rock capacity factor alpha selenite = 1.4-2.2 were determined. As selenium species are redox sensitive the oxidation state of adsorbed species was studied with X-ray absorption near edge structure spectroscopy on Se-K edge. Adsorbed selenium remained in +IV oxidation state, however reduction was experienced on the pyritic sample.

Automated summary

This study investigates the adsorption and diffusion behavior of selenite in Boda Claystone Formation (BCF), a potential host rock for high-level radioactive waste disposal. The experiments were conducted on two different core samples, and the adsorption kinetics, isotherms, and reversibility were studied. The distribution coefficient was found to be approximately 200 L/kg, with a decrease observed at equilibrium concentrations of 10-6-10-7 M. Diffusion experiments revealed an apparent diffusion coefficient of (1.5-4.3) x 10-14 m2/s and a rock capacity factor of 1.4-2.2 for selenite. The oxidation state of the adsorbed selenium remained +IV, except for reduction observed in the presence of pyrite.