Co-precipitation of plutonium(IV) and americium(III) from nitric acid–oxalic acid solutions with bismuth oxalate

Abstract

Co-precipitation of plutonium and americium from nitric acid–oxalic acid solutions with bismuth oxalate has been investigated for the removal of these long lived α-active nuclides from plutonium oxalate waste solutions and anion exchange effluents respectively. Strong co-precipitation of Pu(IV) and Am(III) with bismuth oxalate from a wide range of nitric acid and oxalic acid concentrations indicate feasibility of direct treatment of oxalate waste solutions and anion exchange effluents by this method. Co-precipitation of Am(III) from high nitric acid concentrations is poor, however, this could be effectively achieved, after partially neutralizing the acid with ammonia.