Mathematical Simulation Of Sediment And Radionuclide Transport In The Columbia River

Mathematical simulation of radionuclide transport was conducted by applying the finite element sediment and contaminant transport model, SERATRA, to the Columbia River between the Priest Rapids and McNary Dams near the ERDA Hanford Reservation. Model computations were performed to solve time-dependent, longitudinal and vertical distributions of sediments and radionuclides by taking into account sediment-radionuclide interaction. Sediment transport was modeled for three sediment size fractions (i.e., sand, silt, and clay), and radionuclide transport was simulated for dissolved and particulate nuclides. Particulate radionuclides were analyzed for those adsorbed by sediment in each sediment size fraction. Five cases were simulated in this study to identify the effects of river sediments on radionuclide migration: continuous release of 65Zn without adsorption mechanics; continuous release of 65Zn with adsorption; instantaneous release of 65Zn without adsorption; instantaneous release of 65Zn with adsorption; and radionuclide resuspension. Sediment and radionuclide results indicate very good agreement with measured data.