Solubility control of technetium release from Saltstone by TcO2·xH2O

Our results clearly demonstrate that the release mechanism of technetium from Saltstone under reducing conditions controlled by the solubility of TcO2·xH2O (likely TcO2·1.6H2O); however, empirical distribution coefficients (Kds), that describe sorption and not solubility, were calculated for comparison with past literature values. After 84 days of reaction under anoxic conditions, the average Kd value for technetium was determined to be 610 mL/g. This value is similar to a value determined previously for a similar Saltstone sample under reducing conditions at 56 days (712 ± 81 mL/g).