Modelling of the migration of trace elements along groundwater flowpaths by using a steady state approach application to the site at El Berrocal (Spain)

Abstract

The applications of geochemical modelling to natural water systems mostly rely upon the equilibrium assumption. This is in principle justified for deep groundwater systems with long water residence times. In addition, trace element behaviour in these natural systems has been normally modelled by taking into account the precipitation and dissolution of individual trace element phases. Recent geochemical modelling work related to natural analogue systems would indicate that: (1) the equilibrium condition is restricted to a limited number of components in long water residence times and (2) the behaviour of trace metals is very much connected to the major component cycling in the system. There is a need to develop our geochemical modelling capabilities to take these two facts into account in order to be able to predict the behaviour of trace components (radionuclides) in a geological repository. In this work we report on the successful application of steady-state kinetics in conjunction with co-dissolution/co-precipitation approaches to model trace element geochemistry in the natural analogue system at El Berrocal. The evolution of major components of the system (Ca (II), Al (III), CO 3 2− and Si) as well the trace elements investigated (U, Ba and Mn) is well reproduced by using the coupling between steady-state kinetics and co-dissolution/co-precipitation approaches.