The Role of Colloids in the Transport of Plutonium and Americium: Implications for

Kersting, A B

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

关键词: Particle Resuspension;    Surface Waters;    Particulates;    Polymers;    Americium;   

DOI  :  10.2172/15009720
RP-ID  :  UCRL-TR-200099
RP-ID  :  W-7405-ENG-48
RP-ID  :  15009720

美国|英语

来源: UNT Digital Library

【 摘 要 】

Colloids are small particulates (ranging in size from 1 to 0.001 micron) composed of inorganic and organic material and found in all natural water. Due to their small size, they have the ability to remain suspended in water and transported. Small amounts of plutonium (Pu) and americium (Am) can adsorb (attach) to colloids, and/or form colloidal-sized polymers and migrate in water. At Rocky Flats Environmental Technology Site (RFETS) sedimentation and resuspension of particulates and colloids in surface waters represent the dominant process for Pu and Am migration. The amount of Pu and Am that can be transported at RFETS has been quantified in the Pathway Analysis Report. The Pathway Analysis Report shows that the two dominant pathways for Pu and Am transport at RFETS are air and surface water. Shallow groundwater and biological pathways are minor.