Resuspension and Redistribution of Plutonium in Soils

Abstract

Formulae are derived which parameterize dust and plutonium fluxes in terms of micrometeorological and soil erodibility parameters. Interim, simple models utilizing the time-dependent resuspension factor and mass-loading approaches are derived which may be used to predict the average concentration of resuspended plutonium. Intensive measurements of the resuspension of plutonium at the USAEC's Nevada Test Site are summarized in terms of a resuspension rate through the use of Healy's model of transport and diffusion. Values of the resuspension rate varied from 2.7 × 10−12 to 4.8 × 10−10 sec−1. The relationship between the resuspension rate and the historical resuspension factor is developed. The various models and formulations used are shown to be internally consistent for this experimental site.