ION MIGRATION IN FROZEN SOIL

• Main Authors: Murrmann, Richard P., Hoekstra, Pieter
• Other Authors: COLD REGIONS RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING LAB HANOVER NH
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: 1968
• Subjects: Cartography and Aerial Photography; Nuclear Physics & Elementary Particle Physics; Radiation Pollution and Control; (*SOILS; RADIOACTIVE WASTES); (*RADIOACTIVE WASTES; DISPOSAL); IONS; FREEZING; COLD WEATHER TESTS; ICE; DIFFUSION; TERRAIN; CONDUCTIVITY; MONTMORILLONITE; PARTICLE SIZE; MINERALS; ABSORPTION; TEMPERATURE; MOBILITY; THICKNESS; PHASE STUDIES; CLAY; SILT; RADIOACTIVE CONTAMINATION; HAZARDS; PERMAFROST; *FREEZING; *SOILS; *ION MIGRATION; REMOTE AREAS; Ice; permafrost
• Online Access: http://www.dtic.mil/docs/citations/AD0837154; http://oai.dtic.mil/oai/oai?&verb=getRecord&metadataPrefix=html&identifier=AD0837154

Radioactive waste management frequently involves placement of radioactive material into the ground either for storage or ultimate disposal. Extensive research on the behavior of radionuclide ions in soil coupled with experience at disposal sites has shown that this practice has not created a health hazard. However, an increasing population, the expansion in atomic energy utilization, and our concern over environmental pollution would indicate that site selection will become increasingly more difficult. Certainly, a continuing need exists for investigation of the suitability of potential locations for ground disposal of radioactive waste. Radionuclides are transported away from the disposal site mainly by the flow of groundwater. The radionuclides dissolve in water and infiltrate through the soil. The ions normally move at a slower rate than the water due to chemical interactions of the ions with the soil constituents. The dispersion of radionuclides in soil and rock formations is thus highly dependent on the permeability of the site, and the amount and direction of ground water flow. With time, the radioactivity deposited at a site decreases due to radioactive decay and dilution by dispersion in the soil volume. For a good site the radioactivity in the ground should be reduced to a safe level before pollution of a potable water supply can occur. (Author)