Fractures radionuclide migration

Mori, A., Alexander, W. R. et al. 2003. The colloid and radionuclide retardation experiment at the grimsel test site Influence of bentonite colloids on radionuclide migration in a fractured rock. Colloids Surfaces, 217, 33-47. 

The location and physical complexity of hard-rock fracture systems make it difficult to determine the mechanisms affecting radionuclide migration under field conditions. Techniques are needed that, under closely controlled conditions, provide data relevant to mass transport in the field. Development of two such techniques is described here. 

D Alessandro, M. Gera, F. 1986. Geological isolation of radioactive waste in clay formations fractures and faults as possible pathways for radionuclide migration. Radioactive Waste Management and the Nuclear Fuel Cycle, 7(4), 381-406. 

Vilks, P. Baik, M. H. 2001. Laboratory migration experiments with radionuclides and natural colloids in a granitic fracture. Journal of Contaminant Hydrology, 47, 197-210. 

After release into the near field, the radionuclides can only migrate via a water transport path (Figure 22.10). Migration in the far field may occur for radionuclides with long lifetimes, high solubility in ground water, and low sorption along the transport pathway. In repositories where the water is confined to interstitial fracture and pore areas, the... 

Fig. 1. Schematic diagram showing the conceptual model of the groundwater pathway in the BVG. Radionuclides are transported through the fracture network by advection with the groundwater. Two mechanisms retard migration relative to the flowing groundwater sorption and rock-matrix diffusion.

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