UMB 2: Modeling Fate of Radioactive Elements at The Sediment Water Interface in Different Redox Conditions
E. Yakushev, A. Staalstrøm (NIVA).
Objective
The aim of this work was to simulate fluxes of radioactive elements at the sediment-water interface and their variability connected with redox conditions changes.
Results
Numerical modelling approaches were applied and the following results obtained:
- bottom water is enriched with 137Cs during anoxia, and it transports to surface water during winter mixing.
- synthesis of organic matter and its sinking to the bottom serve as a biological pump for radionuclides .
- there should be a seasonality in 137Cs concentrations in the water in addition to physical decay.
Conclusion
This modelling tool can be used for simulating of radionuclide fate in the sediment-water environment, and the work has been published in a scientific paper. Work is in progress on coupling with INCA model and ROMS aiming to simulate processes in the estuarine/fjord environment.
Project Manager: Evgeniy Yakushev
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Simulated seasonal variability in the water column and at sediment-water interface. (Figure: E. Yakushev, NIVA).