Technetium from two perspectives : sulfide remediation and schiff base chemistry

Abstract

Two major areas of focus in radiochemistry are environmental and pharmaceutical. This work looks at technetium-99 (Tc-99) chemistry from both viewpoints. The Manhattan Project led to millions of gallons of radioactive waste. The waste is stored at containment facilities and has begun to leak into the environment. A key component of this waste is Tc-99. This work investigates a method using hydrogen sulfide to treat Tc-99 in the environment and possible organic interferences that may occur from the treatment. It was found that using hydrogen sulfide to remediate Tc99 in soil could lead to water stable products under certain conditions. However, interactions with ironcontaining minerals could greatly reduce this interference. Aside from being an environmental concern, technetium is better known for its use as a medical imaging agent. The second portion of this project investigates potential diagnostic imaging agents. This work lead to unusually stable complexes which could benefit radiopharmaceutical development for technetium.