Electron Microscopy Study of Mineral Colloids in the Ground Water Near Nevada Test Site
Journal
Microscopy and Microanalysis
Journal Volume
8
Journal Issue
S02
Start Page
1558
End Page
1559
ISSN
1431-9276
1435-8115
Date Issued
2002-08
Author(s)
Abstract
The colloidal groundwater migration has played an important role in transporting the radionuclide through geosphere. [1-3] Models that either predict limited transport or do not allow for colloidfacilitated transport may thus significantly underestimate the extent of radionuclide migration. Our ability to develop reliable subsurface contaminant transport models and mitigation strategies is limited, in part, by our understanding of the geochemical mechanisms that operate at the mineralwater interface. Mineral colloids are ubiquitous in groundwater and have the potential to enhance transport of contaminants that strongly sorb to the solid phase. Investigations aimed at understanding the mechanisms controlling radionuclide contaminant transport in field settings are routinely hampered by the low concentrations of radionuclides detected in groundwater, thus limiting the spectroscopic techniques available for investigation.
Publisher
Oxford University Press (OUP)
Type
journal article