Application of DGT to high pH environments: uptake efficiency of radionuclides of different oxidation states onto Chelex binding gel

Abstract

The DGT Chelex binding phase has not been tested for binding efficiency over the extreme high pH range (i.e., 10 to 13). Here, we examined the uptake efficiency of the gel-encapsulated Chelex cation exchange resin binding phase when in direct contact with solutions of radionuclides of different oxidation states over the circumneutral to high pH range (∼7 to 13). Results show that the Chelex binding gel is suitable for Eu³⁺ for circumneutral pH, for UO₂²⁺ up to at least pH 10.7 and for NpO₂⁺ up to at least pH 11.7. Application may be appropriate at higher pH values but testing of complete solution deployment units will be required. This work provides the framework to use DGT as a tool for the study of high pH radionuclide systems.