Radionuclide Transport Behavior in a Generic Geological Radioactive Waste Repository

We performed numerical simulations of groundwater flow and radionuclide transport to study the influence of several factors, including the ambient hydraulic gradient, groundwater pressure anomalies, and the properties of the excavation damaged zone (EDZ), on the prevailing transport mechanism (i.e., advection or molecular diffusion) in a generic nuclear waste repository within a clay‐rich geological formation. By comparing simulation results, we show that the EDZ plays a major role as a preferential flowpath for radionuclide transport. When the EDZ is not taken into account, transport is dominated by molecular diffusion in almost the totality of the simulated domain, and transport velocity is about 40% slower. Modeling results also show that a reduction in hydraulic gradient leads to a greater predominance of diffusive transport, slowing down radionuclide transport by about 30% with respect to a scenario assuming a unit gradient. In addition, inward flow caused by negative pressure anomalies in the clay‐rich formation further reduces transport velocity, enhancing the ability of the geological barrier to contain the radioactive waste. On the other hand, local high gradients associated with positive pressure anomalies can speed up radionuclide transport with respect to steady‐state flow systems having the same regional hydraulic gradients. Transport behavior was also found to be sensitive to both geometrical and hydrogeological parameters of the EDZ. Results from this work can provide useful knowledge toward correctly assessing the post‐closure safety of a geological disposal system.     

Factors governing strontium-90 export with surface runoff in the Chernobyl NPP restricted zone

Statistical analysis of collected data revealed priority factors affecting radionuclide migration in water. Considerable changes in the coefficients of correlations between the many-year values of those factors and the water export of ⁹⁰Sr make it possible to identify the stages associated with a mass passage of primary ⁹⁰Sr inputs into water-soluble forms. The landscape characteristics of drainage basins were used to construct regression forecast models of the export of pollutants from watersheds.     

Parametric studies on confinement of radionuclides in the excavated damaged zone due to bentonite type and temperature change

A parametric study is presented in this paper in order to examine the potential of the extruding bentonite into a fracture in the EDZ to confine radionuclides. Radionuclide migration of cesium and neptunium were studied at elevated temperatures and for a sodium- and calcium-type bentonite. Parameter values were obtained based on empirical studies for hydraulic conductivity, molecular diffusion, and sorption. Results indicate extrusion speed is affected by temperature changes. Elevated temperatures also affect radionuclide migration. For Cs, migration is enhanced due to decreasing sorption, while Np migration is inhibited due to increasing sorption. The potential to confine radionuclides is favorable, and the choice of bentonite does not seem to affect radionuclide confinement in the extruding region.     

表驱三维角度域Kirchhoff叠前时间偏移成像方法

针对传统Kirchhoff叠前时间偏移方法的一些不足,以及振幅随入射角、方位角变化(AVA/AVAZ)分析的需要,本文提出一种基于射线理论的三维叠前时间偏移角度域成像方法.它通过横向均匀介质中稳健的射线追踪建立单程波走时和传播角度的数值表,然后在此基础上估算反射波双程走时以及在界面处传播的方位角和入射角,最后基于脉冲响应叠加原理获得三维构造图像和方位\|角度域共成像点道集.与传统方法不同之处在于,上述过程均考虑了地震波在垂向变速介质中的射线弯曲效应和三维传播特征,有利于准确提取随入射角和方位角变化的振幅和时差信息.理论模型合成数据和实际地震资料测试结果展示了方法的优越性与实用性.     

Spatial moments for colloid-enhanced radionuclide transport in heterogeneous aquifers

We consider colloid facilitated radionuclide transport by steady groundwater flow in a heterogeneous porous formation. Radionuclide binding on colloids and soil-matrix is assumed to be kinetically/equilibrium controlled. All reactive parameters are regarded as uniform, whereas the hydraulic log-conductivity is modelled as a stationary random space function (RSF). Colloid-enhanced radionuclide transport is studied by means of spatial moments pertaining to both the dissolved and colloid-bounded concentration. The general expressions of spatial moments for a colloid-bounded plume are presented for the first time, and are discussed in order to show the combined impact of sorption processes as well as aquifer heterogeneity upon the plume migration. For the general case, spatial moments are defined by the aid of two characteristic reaction functions which cannot be expressed analytically. By adopting the approximation for the longitudinal fluid trajectory covariance valid for a flow parallel to the formation bedding suggested by Dagan and Cvetkovic [Dagan G, Cvetkovic V. Spatial Moments of Kinetically Sorbing Plume in a Heterogeneous Aquifers. Water Resour Res 1993;29:4053], we obtain closed form solutions.     

Effect of heterogeneity on radionuclide retardation in the alluvial aquifer near Yucca Mountain, Nevada

The U.S. Department of Energy is currently studying Yucca Mountain, Nevada, as a potential site for a geological high-level waste repository. In the current conceptual models of radionuclide transport at Yucca Mountain, part of the transport path to pumping locations would be through an alluvial aquifer. Interactions with minerals in the alluvium are expected to retard the downstream migration of radionuclides, thereby delaying arrival times and reducing ground water concentrations. We evaluate the effectiveness of the alluvial aquifer as a transport barrier using the stochastic Lagrangian framework. A transport model is developed to account for physical and chemical heterogeneities and rate-limited mass transfer between mobile and immobile zones. The latter process is caused by small-scale heterogeneity and is thought to control the macroscopic-scale retardation in some field experiments. A geostatistical model for the spatially varying sorption parameters is developed from a site-specific database created from hydrochemical measurements and a calibrated modeling approach (Turner and Pabalan 1999). Transport of neptunium is considered as an example. The results are sensitive to the rate of transfer between mobile and immobile zones, and to spatial variability in the hydraulic conductivity. Chemical heterogeneity has only a small effect, as does correlation between hydraulic conductivity and the neptunium distribution coefficient. These results illustrate how general sensitivities can be explored with modest effort within the Lagrangian framework. Such studies complement and guide the application of more detailed numerical simulations.     

波动方程偏移成像阴影的照明补偿

受地下复杂构造和地震数据采集系统的影响,使地震波对地下目标的照明出现不均匀性,地震采集系统难以有效地获取地下某些目标的反射信息,进而使数据偏移成像在这些目标体上出现成像阴影. 根据波场和Green函数的窗口Fourier框架展开,利用角度域波动方程偏移成像和波动方程照明分析,并结合波动方程反演理论,提出一种角度域波动方程偏移成像阴影照明补偿方法. 这种补偿方法能同时考虑地震数据采集系统和波场传播路径对偏移成像的影响,消除复杂构造区的偏移成像阴影,改进波动方程叠前深度偏移成像在复杂构造区的成像效果.     

Planning of Soil-Pore Water Sampling Campaigns Using Pesticide Transport Modeling

Soil-pore water sampling by suction lysimeters monitors the fate of soil contaminants as a function of depth and time. However, sampling campaigns must be planned to most effectively monitor the migration of contaminants with a minimum expenditure of resources. The vertical migration of pesticides was studied at two sites treated with systemic s-triazine herbicides and equipped with suction lysimeters. The measured concentrations were compared with those calculated by a simulation model. This modeling was based on the processes that control the transport and fate of pesticide within the soil. The usefulness of such a tool was demonstrated by the good approximation obtained for pesticide concentrations and arrival times. Moreover, the significant spatial variability of concentrations observed justifies the use of a stochastic approach in modeling that takes into account the spatial variability of soil parameters. Also, the rapid transformation of herbicides observed in unsaturated soil zones demonstrates the importance of taking into account the sum of the toxic residues when evaluating the fate of s-triazines in soil.     

复杂介质下保真振幅Kirchhoff深度偏移

本文详细讨论地下复杂介质地震成像问题.当速度模型含有强横向变化时,射线场会折叠形成多次走时,在这种情况下,文中证明在保真振幅叠前深度偏移时,应当考虑所有的到时才能得到定量的像.通过实例证明,在多次走时情况下,常规的共炮集、共检波器集都存在强的假像;由此提出共角度偏移的概念.最后,在多次走时下,讨论多次偏移算子(走时、相移、振幅等)的高效重构,给出了三维叠前深度偏移的快速算法.     

SECTION MIGRATION,BEFORE STACK,AFTER STACK,OR INBETWEEN *

Section migration after stack has been widely accepted by the industry. From a theoretical point of view, section migration before stack should provide superior results, the improvement warranting the drastically increased cost is not realized in most cases. There are a number of reasons that explain the discrepancy between actual and theoretically expected quality: Long period statics, refraction of rays, two-dimensional treatment of an actually three-dimensional problem. The section migration package subject to this paper allows (i) to take refraction into account, (ii) to discriminate against noise with a variety of statistical and geometrical criteria, (iii) to adapt processing time to problem complexity by a special process called SEMI-STACK. A number of examples will demonstrate the effects of section migration.     

Reverse time migration with Gaussian beams using optimized ray tracing systems in transversely isotropic media

Prestack depth migration is a key technology for imaging complex reservoirs in media with strong lateral velocity variations. Prestack migrations are broadly separated into ray-based and wave-equation-based methods. Because of its efficiency and flexibility, ray-based Kirchhoff migration is popular in the industry. However, it has difficulties in dealing with the multi-arrivals, caustics and shadow zones. On the other hand, wave-equation-based methods produce images superior to that of the ray-based methods, but they are expensive numerically, especially methods based on two-way propagators in imaging large regions. Therefore, reverse time migration algorithms with Gaussian beams have recently been proposed to reduce the cost, as they combine the high computational efficiency of Gaussian beam migration and the high accuracy of reverse time migration. However, this method was based on the assumption that the subsurface is isotropic. As the acquired azimuth and maximum offsets increase, taking into account the influence of anisotropy on seismic migration is becoming more and more crucial. Using anisotropic ray tracing systems in terms of phase velocity, we proposed an anisotropic reverse time migration using the Gaussian beams method. We consider the influence of anisotropy on the propagation direction and calculate the amplitude of Gaussian beams with optimized correlation coefficients in dynamic ray tracing, which simplifies the calculations and improves the applicability of the proposed method. Numerical tests on anisotropic models demonstrate the efficiency and accuracy of the proposed method, which can be used to image complex structures in the presence of anisotropy in the overburden.     

ACOUSTICAL IMAGING OF SOURCE RECEIVER COINCIDENT PROFILES*

The first part of this paper examines a special case of acoustical imaging in which the source and the receiver coincide. The benefits of weighting and muting are studied in detail by means of computer modeling. The test model consists of a single planar interface z=z₁, abruptly terminated at x= o. The amplitude and phase responses are computed in the plane z=z₀= o for two separations of neighboring stations, Δx=λ/10 and Δx=λ/2. Six different weighting factors are used in the test. However, in this source-receiver coincident case, three of the weighting factors produce identical responses, so that all six test factors may be represented by only four curves. It is found that when the spatial sampling at the aperture approaches the condition of critical sampling, i.e. Δx=λ/2, only the weighting factor which implicitly takes into account beam steering along the specular reflection path is acceptable. This factor alone keeps the amplitude and the phase curves undistorted until the difference 2 ·ΔR between two neighboring paths reaches approximately λ/2. If we set 2 ·ΔR=λ/2, we may construct a set of curves which we may call quite appropriately muting curves. These curves are physically interpretable only for station separation Δx > λ/4. The muting curves are symmetrical about the line x= 0 and their angular opening depends on spatial separation Δx, depth z, and wavelength λ (which may vary with depth). The second part of this paper suggests how the weighting factor with implicit beam steering can be applied to reconstruction of two and three-dimensional wavefields. Seismic migration of common depth point (CDP) stacked line data is also discussed. This is a hybrid case which presents certain theoretical difficulties. We shall also mention the velocity problem which is inherent to migration of CDP stacked data. The third and final part concerns implementation of the migration of CDP stacked data. When the spatial sampling is between λ/4 and λ/2, the migration process will benefit from beam steering and from muting. The benefits are more subtle when the separation of the traces is less than λ/4. However, in that case the cost of data collection is considerable and often prohibitive. In either case the migration of seismic data can be expedited by use of precalculated tables of migration velocities, ray path distances, and weights (including muting).     

Einfluß des Komplexbildungsgrades auf die Migrationsgeschwindigkeit von Eisen(II,III)-Verbindungen

This paper describes relations between the degree of complexation calculated with a mathematical model (FISCHER and REISSIG, 1984) and the ion-exchange and migration behaviour of iron(II, III)-compounds in a simulated aquifer. In general, the bonding of the complexes to the soil matrix becomes stronger with increasing positive charge. Negatively charged or neutral complex compounds do not show any, or show only slight interactions with the soil matrix. By complexation it is possible to achieve great differences in the migration behaviour of a particular metal. In the course of migration in the deposit there was found a separation of the complex mixture in accordance with charge. The break-through curves are characterized by a stepped shape, for this case. If weak acids or weak bases act as complex-forming ligands, the pH-dependent dissociation of the complexing species has to be taken into account in the complex calculation; this is represented by the example of the iron(III)-citrate system in this paper. Moreover, experimental results concerning the migration behaviour of iron(II, III)-fulvic acid complexes are given     

Radioactive high level waste insight modelling for geological disposal facilities

Within this paper we present a simplified analytical model to provide insight into the key performance measures of a generic disposal system for high level waste within a geological disposal facility. The model assumes a low solubility waste matrix within a corrosion resistant disposal container surrounded by a low permeability buffer. Radionuclides migrate from the disposal area through a porous geosphere to the biosphere and give a radiological dose to a receptor. The system of equations describing the migration is transformed into Laplace space and an approximation used to determine peak values for the radionuclide mass transfer rate entering the biosphere. Results from the model are compared with those from more detailed numerical models for key radionuclides in the UK high level waste inventory. Such an insight model can provide a valuable second line of argument to assist in confirming the results of more detailed models and build confidence in the safety case for a geological disposal facility.     

Diffusion of rare gases of solar wind origin from lunar fines as bubbles

A diffusion mechanism is proposed which takes into account phenomena observed in ion-implanted solids, in particular the precipitation of rare gas in the form of bubbles and their migration. The composition of rare gases in the bubbles is inferred from the calculated distribution of solar wind rare gas ions as a function of depth in the grains. These calculations are made for the location and average composition of Apollo 11 samples. It is shown by analogy with experimental observations in ion-implanted solids that the bubbles would migrate towards the surface and that the diffusion constant for this migration would be strongly depth dependent. Relative abundances of rare gas nuclides remaining behind due to the resultant degassing are estimated for one Apollo 11 soil sample and are compared with observed relative abundances for this sample. A qualitative explanation of some of the experimental observations of Ducati et al. on individual lunar grains is also offered.     

On the Coupling Between Channel Level and Surface Ground-Water Flows

This paper is devoted to a mathematical analysis of some general models of mass transport and other coupled physical processes developed in simultaneous flows of surface, soil and ground waters. Such models are widely used for forecasting (numerical simulation) of a hydrological cycle for concrete territories. The mathematical models that proved a more realistic approach are obtained by combining several mathematical models for local processes. The water-exchange models take into account the following factors: Water flows in confined and unconfined aquifers, vertical moisture migration allowing earth surface evaporation, open-channel flow simulated by one-dimensional hydraulic equations, transport of contamination, etc. These models may have different levels of sophistication. We illustrate the type of mathematical singularities which may appear by considering a simple model on the coupling of a surface flow of surface and ground waters with the flow of a line channel or river.     

Constraints on Upward Migration of Hydraulic Fracturing Fluid and Brine

Recent increases in the use of hydraulic fracturing (HF) to aid extraction of oil and gas from black shales have raised concerns regarding potential environmental effects associated with predictions of upward migration of HF fluid and brine. Some recent studies have suggested that such upward migration can be large and that timescales for migration can be as short as a few years. In this article, we discuss the physical constraints on upward fluid migration from black shales (e.g., the Marcellus, Bakken, and Eagle Ford) to shallow aquifers, taking into account the potential changes to the subsurface brought about by HF. Our review of the literature indicates that HF affects a very limited portion of the entire thickness of the overlying bedrock and therefore, is unable to create direct hydraulic communication between black shales and shallow aquifers via induced fractures. As a result, upward migration of HF fluid and brine is controlled by preexisting hydraulic gradients and bedrock permeability. We show that in cases where there is an upward gradient, permeability is low, upward flow rates are low, and mean travel times are long (often >10⁶ years). Consequently, the recently proposed rapid upward migration of brine and HF fluid, predicted to occur as a result of increased HF activity, does not appear to be physically plausible. Unrealistically high estimates of upward flow are the result of invalid assumptions about HF and the hydrogeology of sedimentary basins.     

Influence of melt‐freeze‐cycles on the radionuclide transport in homogeneous laboratory snowpack

Radionuclides released to the environment and deposited with or onto snow can be stored over long time periods if ambient temperature stays low, particularly in glaciated areas or high alpine sites. The radionuclides will be accumulated in the snowpack during the winter unless meltwater runoff at the snow base occurs. They will be released to surface waters within short time during snowmelt in spring. In two experiments under controlled melting conditions of snow in the laboratory, radionuclide migration and runoff during melt‐freeze‐cycles were examined. The distribution of Cs‐134 and Sr‐85 tracers in homogeneous snow columns and their fractionation and potential preferential elution in the first meltwater portions were determined. Transport was associated with the percolation of meltwater at ambient temperatures above 0 °C after the snowpack became ripe. Mean migration velocities in the pack were examined for both nuclides to about 0.5 cm hr^?1 after one diurnal melt‐freeze‐cycle at ambient temperatures of ?2 to 4 °C. Meltwater fluxes were calculated with a median of 1.68 cm hr^?1. Highly contaminated portions of meltwater with concentration factors between 5 and 10 against initial bulk concentrations in the snowpack were released as ionic pulse with the first meltwater. Neither for caesium nor strontium preferential elution was observed. After recurrent simulated day‐night‐cycles (?2 to 4 °C), 80% of both radionuclides was released with the first 20% of snowmelt within 4 days. 50% of Cs‐134 and Sr‐85 were already set free after 24 hr. Snowmelt contained highest specific activities when the melt rate was lowest during the freeze‐cycles due to concentration processes in remaining liquids, enhanced by the melt‐freeze‐cycling. This implies for natural snowpack after significant radionuclide releases, that long‐time accumulation of radionuclides in the snow during frost periods, followed by an onset of steady meltwater runoff at low melt rates, will cause the most pronounced removal of the contaminants from the snow cover. This scenario represents the worst case of impact on water quality and radiation exposure in aquatic environments.     

Remediation of Radionuclide Pollutants through Biosorption – an Overview

The development of nuclear science and technology has led to the increase of nuclear wastes containing radionuclides to be released and disposed in the environment. Pollution caused by radionuclides is a serious problem throughout the world. To solve the problem, substantial research efforts have been directed worldwide to adopt sustainable technologies for the treatment of radionuclide containing wastes. Biosorption represents a technological innovation as well as a cost effective excellent remediation technology for cleaning up radionuclides from aqueous environment. A variety of biomaterials viz. algae, fungi, bacteria, plant biomass, etc. have been reported for radionuclide remediation with encouraging results. This paper reviews the achievements and current status of radionuclide remediation through biosorption which will provide insights into this research frontier.     

二维复杂工程场址设计地震动的修正分析方法

地震安全性评价中工程场地设计地震动通常采用一维等效线性化水平成层的分析模型，但对一些较复杂的场地条件，如蓄能电站所处场地，仅考虑一维场地是不够的，而需考虑二维场地的影响。常规采用的二维有限元很难考虑诸多因素，为工程设计带来了很大的困难。提出了可考虑二维复杂工程场地影响的设计地震动的修正分析方法和简化方法，该方法还可考虑非线性对场地的影响及吸能边界等因素，而且计算简单，并易于同常用的一维等效线性化方法结合。实例分析结果合理，对工程场地地震动的确定具有重要意义。