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A physically based approach to modelling radionuclide transport in the biosphere
G Parkin1, S P Anderton, J Ewen
1Department of Civil Engineering, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, UK. geoff.parkin@ncl.ac.uk
Summary
This study models contaminant transport in terrestrial ecosystems to assess radiological risk for UK radioactive waste repositories. Findings aid in understanding contaminant dilution in aquifers and surface waters for safety assessments.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Hydrogeology
- Radiological Risk Assessment
Background:
- Assessing radiological risk for deep underground radioactive waste repositories requires understanding contaminant movement in the terrestrial biosphere.
- Current risk calculations necessitate robust models for contaminant transport and dilution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate contaminant movement and dilution in terrestrial ecosystems using the SHETRAN modelling system.
- To support radiological risk calculations for potential UK radioactive waste repositories.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the physically based modelling system SHETRAN.
- Developed two case studies modelling long-lived, poorly sorbed radionuclides in hypothetical catchments.
- Incorporated detailed spatial data for topography, river networks, soils, and vegetation.
Main Results:
- Simulated contaminant concentrations in near-surface aquifers, soils, and surface waters under temperate and boreal climate scenarios.
- Quantified contaminant dilution and movement from diffuse sources at aquifer bases.
- Provided data supporting simpler models used in radiological risk assessments.
Conclusions:
- The SHETRAN model effectively simulates contaminant transport in terrestrial ecosystems for radioactive waste repository safety assessments.
- Findings offer crucial data for refining radiological risk calculations concerning intermediate-level and low-level radioactive waste disposal.