LONG-TERM RISK FROM ACTINIDES IN THE ENVIRONMENT: MODES OF MOBILITY

The overall goal of the study is to quantify the mobility of soil actinides from all three modes of mobility: wind erosion, water erosion, and vertical migration. We are conducting a set of studies at DOE facilities where actinide kinetics are of concern, particularly Rocky Flats, Hanford, and WIPP. Wind erosion is being quantified using spatially-distributed aerosol measurements, including finely time-resolved measurements, and will be correlated with meteorological and ground cover conditions. Water erosion is being quantified using rainfall simulator experiments in the field to measure vertical and horizontal changes in the tracer distribution. Vertical migration is being studied using tracers in soil columns to quantify the effects of various biological and weathering processes. The results are being integrated using a modeling approach, building on existing code and modifying the predictions based on experimental results.