SYMPOSIA PAPER Published: 01 January 1981
STP28327S

Attenuation of Radionuclides and Toxic Elements by Soils at a Uranium Tailings Pond in Central Wyoming

Source

Existing concentrations of radionuclides and arsenic in a uranium tailings pond and groundwater, and hydrogeologic and mass transport parameters were utilized in a Galerkin-based finite element mass transport model to predict future migration potential for discrete chemical species. Field and laboratory data and the results of computer modeling indicate that movement of chemical species of interest at the subject site is mitigated by chemical reaction with in situ soils including precipitation, coprecipitation, and ion exchange. The study showed that among the hydrogeologic and mass transport parameters, distribution coefficients are the major controlling factor in determining the extent of attenuation of radionuclides and arsenic. These coefficients are specific to individual chemical species and are highly dependent on groundwater pH conditions and particular soil characteristics.

Author Information

Haji-Djafari, S
D'Appolonia Consulting Engineers, Inc., Pittsburgh, Pa.
Antommaria, PE
D'Appolonia Consulting Engineers, Inc., Pittsburgh, Pa.
Crouse, HL
Earth Sciences Consultants, Inc., Pittsburgh, Pa.
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Details
Developed by Committee: D18
Pages: 221–242
DOI: 10.1520/STP28327S
ISBN-EB: 978-0-8031-4812-3
ISBN-13: 978-0-8031-0797-7