The metal retention behaviors of several simulated radiolysis products on zirconium metal were investigated, and it was found that acid phosphate radiolysis product HDEHP has the greatest effect. The effects of extraction nitric acid concentration, simulated radiolysis product concentration, metal concentration, and temperature on the zirconium metal retention behavior were also investigated. The results showed that zirconium metal forms complexes with HDEHP resulting in retention in the organic phase. Nitric acid concentration and metal concentration change the morphology of the metal thus affecting the extraction and metal retention behavior. The temperature has almost no effect on metal retention.