PNNL

Abstract

SUMMARY-Studies were conducted on the dissolution of Th-doped borosilicate glass, a complex assemblage of 24 different elements in various proportions, in a wide range of pH values (0.5 to 12) and carbonate (as high as 6.2 m) and bicarbonate (as high as 1.0 m) concentrations, and as a function of time to determine whether the dissolution exhibits an equilibrium phenomenon and to ascertain whether existing thermodynamic data can be used to interpret these results. Measurable Th concentrations were observed in either the very acidic (pH 0.5 to 4) solutions or alkaline solutions containing relatively high carbonate/bicarbonate concentrations. Steady state Th concentrations were reached over time from both the oversaturation and undersaturation directions, indicating that Th concentrations are controlled by an equilibrium solubility phenomenon...