Mathematical simulation of sediment and contaminant transport in surface waters. Annual report, October 1977 - September 1978
Various pathways exist for exposure of humans and biota to radioactive materials released from nuclear facilities. Hydrologic transport (liquid pathway) is one element in the evaluation of the total radiation dose to man. Mathematical models supported by well-planned field data collection programs can be useful tools in assessing the hydrologic transport and ultimate fate of radionuclides. Radionuclides with high distribution coefficients or radionuclides in surface waters with high suspended sediment concentrations are, to a great extent, adsorbed by river and marine sediments. Thus, otherwise dilute contaminants are concentrated. Contaminated sediments may be deposited on the river and ocean beds creating a significant pathway to man. Contaminated bed sediment in turn may become a long-term source of pollution through desorption and resuspension. In order to assess migration and accumulation of radionuclides in surface waters, mathematical models must correctly simulate essential mechanisms of radionuclide transport. The objectives of this study were: (1) to conduct a critical review of (a) radionuclide transport models as well as sediment transport and representative water quality models in rivers, estuaries, oceans, lakes, and reservoirs, and (b) adsorption and desorption mechanisms of radionuclides with sediments in surface waters; (2) to synthesize a mathematical model capable of predicting short- and long-term transport and accumulation of radionuclides in marine environments. (ERB)
- Research Organization:
- Battelle Pacific Northwest Labs., Richland, WA (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- EY-76-C-06-1830
- OSTI ID:
- 6166191
- Report Number(s):
- NUREG/CR-0658; PNL-2902; TRN: 79-010865
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS
ENVIRONMENTAL TRANSPORT
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
RADIOECOLOGICAL CONCENTRATION
RADIOISOTOPES
RADIONUCLIDE MIGRATION
SEDIMENTS
SURFACE WATERS
ADSORPTION
DESORPTION
NUCLEAR FACILITIES
PARTICLE RESUSPENSION
RADIOACTIVE EFFLUENTS
SORPTIVE PROPERTIES
ECOLOGICAL CONCENTRATION
ISOTOPES
MASS TRANSFER
PARTICLES
RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS
RADIOACTIVE WASTES
SORPTION
SURFACE PROPERTIES
WASTES
520300* - Environment
Aquatic- Radioactive Materials Monitoring & Transport- (1989)
053000 - Nuclear Fuels- Environmental Aspects