Fenton oxidative degradation of spent organic solvents from nuclear fuel reprocessing plant

The treatment and disposal of the spent organic solvents is a crucial step in minimizing wastes from nuclear fuel reprocessing in a closed fuel cycle that will enable the sustainable development of nuclear energy. In this study, the Fenton oxidation was used for the stabilization and volume reduction of the spent organic solvents tributyl phosphate/odourless kerosene (TBP/OK = 9/21 (v/v)). The parameters of the Fenton oxidation for the spent organic solvents were optimized. The volume reduction efficiency reached 93%, and more than 35% of TBP/OK was degraded. The composition of the aqueous and oil phases of both the Fenton residual liquid and the off-gas condensate was analyzed according to the experimental results of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), elemental analysis and ion chromatography (IC). The residual sludge contained Fe(OH)(3), Fe(OH)(2), FePO4 center dot 2H(2)O and TBP/ OK degradation products. The possible degradation pathway of TBP/OK was proposed. The results of this study may provide useful information for subsequent treatment and disposal of the spent organic solvents.