Abstract
Large-volume groundwater samples were collected at the Nevada Test Site from within a nuclear detonation cavity and from approximately 300 m outside the cavity. The samples were filtered and ultrafiltered, and the filtrates and various particle size fractions were analyzed for chemical composition and radionuclide activity. In samples from both locations, approximately 100% of the transition element (Mn, Co) and lanthanide (Ce, Eu) radionuclides were associated with colloids. Their presence outside the cavity indicates transport in the colloidal form. Distribution coefficients calculated for Ru, Sb, and Cs nuclides from both field sample locations indicate equilibrium partitioning on the 0.05-0.003 μm colloids. Calculation of transport efficiencies relative to colloid mass concentrations and dissolved neutral or anionic nuclides indicates that both the cations and the radiolabelled colloids appear to experience capture by or exchange with immobile aquifer surfaces.
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