The effect of mineral composition on the interaction of strontium ions with geological formations

The surface reaction of strontium ions was studied on rock samples with a radioactive tracer method. The experimental distribution coefficient was calculated from the equilibrium adsorption yield. The distribution coefficient of montmorillonite, rectorite, illite, quartz and cristobalite was determined from the mineral composition and the distribution coefficient of samples with a linear model. On the basis of our linear model and the distribution coefficients of the mineral components, the equilibrium sorbed quantities of strontium ions (or other cations) on any rocks can be predicted when we determine the mineral composition (and the distribution coefficients of the minerals for the given cation). It is very advantageous because of the great variety of geological formations, a lot of experimental work can be neglected. The adsorption parameters make possible the prediction of the migration properties, too. This model can also be used for the design of a geological radioactive waste repository.