Evaluation of Eu(III) migration in compacted bentonite

The distribution coefficient of Eu(III) derived from batch experiments is used to predict the migration of Eu(III) in compacted bentonite with time. The effect of the dispersion coefficient and the pore water velocity on the migration of Eu(III) are also taken into account. It was found that the dispersion coefficient does not influence the migration, while the variation of the distribution coefficient and the water velocity affected the behavior of Eu(III) in compacted bentonite. Most of the europium is retained in the first several meters. So, 30 m of backfill bentonite may be sufficient to prevent the release of Eu(III) to the environment.