Hot Particles and Radionuclide Transport in Water Media

Abstract

The characteristics of hot particles in the ambient environment are presented: activity, propagation, size, and density as well as contribution to the total activity of contaminants, distribution factor, leach rate, and deposition rate. The differences of suspensions, bottom deposits, and hot particles are shown. The equations governing the transport of radionuclides are formulated for systems, consisting of hot particles and suspensions, in water and bottom deposits. The coefficients in the equations are determined and the possibility of radionuclides being removed from bays by tides is taken into account. Solutions are obtained for the transport equations and the average sizes of the activity spots owing to hot particles and ordinary suspensions are determined. The possibility of transport of hot particles over large distances in a river floodplain is examined. The water circulation rate at which hot particles are carried out of flooded objects is determined.