Publications Repository - Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf

Clay minerals and organic substances are common components of many soils, sediments, and rocks. However, little is known on the migration behavior of humic substances in clay formations which is supposed to be governed by diffusion processes. Since humic acids (HA) show a strong ability for complex formation they can influence the migration of radioactive and non-radioactive toxic metal ions in clayey environments.
In the present study we investigated the diffusion behavior of humic colloids in compacted clay and its impact on the uranium transport. These studies are of high importance for the reliable risk-assessment of future nuclear waste repositories which requires knowledge on the actinide migration behavior in potential host rock formations. Clay formations as possible host rocks are closely associated with natural organic matter.