Performance assessment of geological disposal systems for high-level radioactive waste requires a consideration of long-term systems behaviour. It is possible that the alteration of swelling clay present in bentonite buffers might have an impact on buffer functions. In the present study, iron (as a candidate overpack material)-bentonite (I-B) interactions were evaluated as the main buffer alteration scenario. Existing knowledge on alteration of bentonite during I-B interactions was first reviewed, then the evaluation methodology was developed considering modeling techniques previously used overseas.
  A conceptual model for smectite alteration during I-B interactions was produced. The following reactions and processes were selected: 1) release of Fe²⁺ due to overpack corrosion; 2) diffusion of Fe²⁺ in compacted bentonite; 3) sorption of Fe²⁺ on smectite edge and ion exchange in interlayers; 4) dissolution of primary phases and formation of alteration products. Sensitivity analyses were performed to identify the most important factors for the alteration of bentonite by I-B interactions.

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  We developed a simple novel and fast simulation model to predict a long-term distribution of ¹³⁷Cs deposited on the land surface of Fukushima due to the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant accident triggered by a magnitude 9.0 earthquake and resulting tsunami on 11 March 2011. The model utilizes the Geographical Information System (GIS) to integrate online open data provided by individual institutes, and simulate mechanisms of soil erosion, transport and sedimentation. A preliminary calculation shows the significant deposition of sediments in lakes and reservoirs and eroded silt and clay tend to be transported downstream to river mouths than eroded sand. These results were found to be qualitatively consistent with existing data.

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  The dissolution rate for montmorillonite under compacted condition was studied in order to evaluate long-term alteration behavior of bentonite buffer materials by highly alkaline groundwater. The dissolution rate of compacted montmorillonite was found to be larger than that of montmorillonite in compacted sand-bentonite mixtures at 130 oC, which revealed that the dissolution of montmorillonite was inhibited by decreasing the activity of hydroxide ions (a_OH^-) in the compacted mixtures including accessory minerals such as silica. In order to provide reliability for the analysis of bentonite alteration using dissolution rate of montmorillonite, it is important to quantify the decrease of a_OH^- in the compacted mixtures and to formulate the dissolution rate of compacted montmorillonite.

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