Consequently, Np poses a potentially serious threat for radionuclide migration and subsequent dose distribution. Our hypothesis is that NpO 2 is slow to form on the time scale of the earlier laboratory experiments. Accordingly, we are studying the precipitation kinetics of NpO 2 at higher temperatures. Under these conditions, the formation of this phase should occur faster if our hypothesis is correct. The precipitation of a crystalline NpO 2 solid phase would be compatible with significantly lower aqueous Np concentrations.
Oscillations also occur in the concentrations of bromide ion.
This is due to their rate of production being essentially equal to their rate of destruction. During an oscillating chemical reaction the concentrations of reactants must decrease, the concentrations of products must increase, but the concentrations of intermediates or catalyst species execute oscillations as the conversion of reactants to products rushes towards equilibrium. Oscillations in the concentrations of intermediates and catalyst species are driven by a monotonic decrease in free energy as the overall reaction occurs. This rare-earth metal ion plays the role of a catalyst in the process of oxidation of an organic acid by potassium bromate. Introduction Federal land disposal restrictions allow radioactive wastes to be disposed of in geologic repositories.