Cementitious materials are being widely used as solidification stabilisation and barrier
materials for a variety of chemical and radioactive wastes primarily due to their favourable
retention properties for metals radionuclides and other contaminants. The retention properties
result from various mineral phases in hydrated cement that possess a high density and diversity
of reactive sites for the fixation of contaminants through a variety of sorption and
incorporation reactions. This book presents a state of the art review and critical evaluation
of the type and magnitude of the various sorption and incorporation processes in hydrated
cement systems for twenty-five elements relevant for a broad range of radioactive and
industrial wastes. Effects of cement evolution or ageing on sorption incorporation processes
are explicitly evaluated and quantified. While the immobilisation of contaminants by mixing-in
during hydration is not explicitly addressed the underlying chemical processes are similar. A
quantitative database on the solid liquid distribution behaviour of radionuclides and other
elements in hydrated cement systems is established on the basis of a consistent review and
re-evaluation of literature data. In addition to recommended values all underlying original
experimental data and key experimental information are provided which allows users to trace
the given recommendations or to develop their own set of key values.This database is closely
tied to the safety analysis of near surface disposal of radioactive waste in Belgium. It
focuses on radioelements toxic stable elements and heavy metals which makes it relevant for
investigations involving the interaction of radioactive and conventional contaminants with
cement-based barriers.
