Optimization of alkali fusion process for determination of I-129 in solidified radwastes by neutron activation

This study determines the optimum temperature for the alkali fusion process used to effectively separate iodine from solidified radwaste attaining low-level I-129 by neutron activation. The alkali fusion temperature was adjusted to 120, 200, and 400 degrees C to approach the optimum conditions associated with a good statistical distribution of the measured I-129 data and high chemical recovery yield. Statistical analysis revealed that the optimum temperature of the alkali fusion process was 200 degrees C, displaying good central tendency and low variance of the measured I-129 data, and the respective chemical recovery yields were higher than other temperatures. The optimum fusion condition provides more reliable scaling factors (I-129/Cs-137) of radwaste.