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Field-scale in situ measurements of vadose zone flow and transport using multiple tracers at INEEL Vadose Zone Research Park (VZRP) - EMSP5-02-06

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/838676· OSTI ID:838676
This study is aimed at obtaining a better understanding of vadose zone flow and transport processes at the field scale and establishing defensible links between laboratory- and field derived transport parameters for conservative and reactive elements in the vadose zone. The study site (Vadose Zone Research Park [VZRP] at INEEL) provides a three-dimensional instrumentation array strategically surrounding new infiltration ponds, and the Big Lost River, and intermittent stream proximal to the infiltration ponds. The proposed research will utilize the infiltration ponds and the Big Lost River to study the effects of fluid flux, water chemistry and degree of saturation on contaminant transport in the vadose zone. Our research plan has four major objectives: (1) evaluate the transport of conservative and reactive solute and colloid tracers through the vadose zone and local perched water zones; (2) examine isotopic variations of U and Sr and compare these to introduced sorbing and non- sorbing tracers; (3) develop and calibrate a conceptual flow and transport model, and (4) examine the effects of flow and geochemical transients on tracer and colloid transport.
Research Organization:
Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Lab., Idaho Falls, ID (US)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Science (SC) (US)
OSTI ID:
838676
Report Number(s):
EMSP-86679--2004a
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English