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Modeling radionuclide transport in urban overland flow: a case study
Jonathan Shireman1, Katherine Ratliff2, Anne M Mikelonis2
1APTIM Federal Services, Knoxville, TN, USA.
Urban Water Journal
|February 21, 2022
Summary
This study models radionuclide transport after a radiological dispersal device event. Overland flow modeling shows washoff parameters significantly impact contaminant spread, aiding emergency response planning.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Radiological Transport Modeling
- Hydrology
Background:
- Radiological dispersal devices (RDDs) pose significant environmental risks.
- Understanding radionuclide transport is crucial for effective emergency response.
- Aerosol deposition necessitates modeling surface contamination pathways.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and demonstrate an overland flow model for radionuclide transport.
- To integrate diverse geospatial and hydrologic data for realistic modeling.
- To assess the impact of washoff parameters and storm events on contaminant dispersal.
Main Methods:
- Developed an overland flow model integrating digital elevation, building, and land cover data.
- Utilized a calibrated Stormwater Management Model (SWMM) for hydrologic inputs.
- Simulated radionuclide transport under various washoff scenarios and storm conditions.
Main Results:
- Widespread variation in radionuclide washoff (over 7x difference) based on parameter selection.
- Identified primary surface pathways for radionuclide contaminant transport.
- Demonstrated the sensitivity of transport to washoff efficiency and storm characteristics.
Conclusions:
- Overland flow modeling is a valuable tool for predicting radionuclide dispersal.
- Model outputs can inform critical decisions in emergency response, planning, and remediation.
- Parameter uncertainty significantly influences radionuclide transport predictions.
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