Binding mechanisms of radionuclides to cement

Radionuclide solubility is one of the factors that can determine the ‘source term’ for potential migration to the far field. Hence, the mechanisms of immobilisation of radionuclides in cements need close study in order to quantify the nature of the binding. The nature of the binding forces in a cement matrix is very species sensitive, so it is difficult to produce a general description. This review summarises the main sorption mechanisms and then details immobilisation mechanisms for many elements.