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1558146 
Journal Article 
Radiation chemical effects on radiochemistry: A review of examples important to nuclear power 
Mincher, BJ; Mezyk, SP 
2009 
1 
Radiochimica Acta
ISSN: 0033-8230 
97 
9 
519-534 
WOS:000269890700010 
Radiochemistry deals with the chemistry of the radioactive
elements. In the nuclear industry successful fuel reprocessing, high-level waste treatment, and
long-term storage of spent fuel depend on an understanding of the radiochemistry of actinides and
fission products in these settings. Radiation chemistry is concerned with the chemical effects of
ionizing radiation, with the most common types of radiation encountered by the radiochemist being
low linear energy transfer (LET) beta(-) and gamma radiation, and higher LET alpha, radiation.
These radiations can have profound and important effects on radiochemistry, including changes in
metal oxidation states and degradation of the organic ligands designed to complex radioelements.
This may occur by direct action of the incident radiation on compounds present with high
abundance or by reaction with radiolytically produced reactive species for trace components, such
as the complexing agents. This review examines the role of reactive species created in irradiated
aqueous and organic solution and their effects on radiochemistry. The sources and nature of these
reactive species are discussed. Examples of radiation chemical effects are provided related to
solvent extraction of the actinides from acidic solution, metal complexation and technetium redox
chemistry in alkaline tank waste, and the corrosion of spent fuel stored in repository brine. 
Radioysis; Linear energy transfer; Redox reactions; Ligand degradation; Free radicals; Solvent extraction