14C and 210Pb in NE atlantic sediments: Evidence of biological reworking in the context of radioactive waste disposal

Scavenging by the seabed and by sedimentary particles in the deep ocean may have a significant effect on the removal of artificial radionuclides released to the water column as a result of radioactive waste disposal operations. Biological activity in the upper layers of the sediment column will enhance the rate of removal for those particle-reactive radionuclides with a short half-life relative to the turnover time of the upper mixed layer. For longer-lived radionuclides the rate of sediment accumulation will determine the ultimate rate of removal.The rate of sediment accumulation and extent of biological mixing of deep-sea sediment from three areas of the NE Atlantic Ocean have been investigated using ¹⁴C and ²¹⁰Pb data. Treatment of the radiocarbon with a simple box model provided estimates of sedimentation rate (ω), mixed layer depth (L), mixed layer age (T_ML) and the age of material arriving at the surface (T₀), which were broadly similar to previously published values from other ocean basins. Box cores from the Iberia Abyssal Plain, Madeira Abyssal Plain and from the NEA low-level radioactive waste dumpsite yielded sedimentation rates in the range 0.8 to 2.2 cm ky^?1 over the upper 16–25 cm. Continuous particle mixing appears to be taking place to a depth of 4 to 6 cm below the present sediment-water interface. Closely spaced vertical sampling of core 161-2 for ²¹⁰Pb allowed a biodiffusion coefficient (D_B) to be calculated (4 × 10^?9cm²s^?1), treating bioturbations as a diffusive term and sedimentations as an advective term in a simple mathematical model. In general, values of D_B in deep ocean sediments fall within the range 1–10 × 10^?9cm²s^?1, two orders of magnitude lower than nearshore values. From a review of published data it is concluded that biological mixing takes place extensively in the deep ocean; it appears to be fairly constant on a basin-wide scale and amenable to incorporation in mathematical models of radionuclide behaviour in the water column.     

Modeling 137Cs migration processes in lake sediments

Lake sediments can be considered as the "diary" of the lake: new layers are continuously deposited on top of the sediments. The migration behavior of radionuclides, particularly of (137)Cs, can be analyzed by modeling the input into and the vertical distribution within the sediment. For this purpose, a model consisting of sedimentation-diffusion equations was developed. Solved with a finite element method, this model can cover the time period from the nuclear weapons testing to the present. It takes into account fixation and redissolution, compaction of sediments, and the influence of competing ions on the retarded diffusion within the sediments. The outcome of the model is compared to water and sediment measurements from Lago Maggiore. The results of an optimization process can produce the sedimentation rate and (137)Cs distribution coefficients which determine the uptake of activity into the sediment and also the retarded diffusion within the sediment.     

Modelling the long-term behaviour of radiocaesium and radiostrontium in two Italian lakes

The present paper describes the application of a state-of-the-art model to two lakes in central Italy (Trasimeno and Monterosi) for the assessment of migration parameters of (137)Cs and (90)Sr (migration velocity to sediment, transfer rates from sediment to water and to bottom sediment). Applications of a compartment model and a model based on the diffusion equation to predict the behaviour of pollutants in water and through bottom sediment are presented and discussed. The application of the diffusion equation shows some difficulties of a general nature and typical of such a modelling approach. Moreover, there is no evidence of significant improvements of the model performances when the diffusion equation is applied. Very low levels of sedimentation rate of suspended matter in Lake Monterosi were evaluated by the quantitative assessment of radiocaesium migrating to bottom sediment. This suggests that, in this lake, the removal of radionuclide from the water column is mainly due to the turbulent mixing of bottom sediment causing radionuclide burial.     

On the radiocesium carbonate barrier in organics-rich sediments of Lake Juodis, Lithuania

Radiocesium vertical profiles in organics-rich sediments of running shallow eutrophic Lake Juodis (Lithuania) were studied in relation to seasonal variations of vertical profiles (in water column and sediments) of standard variables (pH, redox potential, temperature, oxygen concentrations, conductivity). It is shown that the sedimentation rate, radiocesium mobility and its vertical profiles in sediments are controlled by the vital cycle (processes of the growth, accumulation and decomposition) of green algae covering the main bottom areas of the lake. It is also shown that calcite deposits are formed in the shallow bottom areas that are oxygenated throughout the year because of the photosynthetic activity of the green algae covering the sediment. Formation of the calcite coatings on freshly accumulated organics is remarkable for causing elevated densities of sediment solids in the upper part of the respective vertical profiles. These calcite deposits behave as a barrier for radiocesium backward flux to the bottom water making the respective bottom areas a radionuclide sink. Together with the jelly-structured sediments lying below these deposits, the calcite preserves the shape of the primary radiocesium vertical profiles formed due to free-ion diffusion after the deposition event. It was determined that bottom areas anaerobic in winter are the main radiocesium source in the water column and cause characteristic radiocesium redistribution in surface sediments.     

Levels of 137Cs in muddy sediments on the seabed in the Bay of Cadiz (Spain). Part II. Model of vertical migration of (137)Cs

This second part of the study reports the development of a model to describe the vertical migration of the artificial radioisotope (137)Cs in the sediment column on the seabed of the Bay of Cadiz. The application of the model provides an overall picture of the process of sedimentation in the Inner Bay of Cadiz. The spatial distribution of the rate of sedimentation enables us to study the sources of sediments and the means by which the sediments have been transported. A method has been derived from the rate of sedimentation to perform the dating of the layers of sediment. The model describes the behaviour of (137)Cs in the area under study, taking into account the time of residence in the zones that are the source of accumulation, the origin of the sedimentary material, together with the diffusion of the radionuclide in the sediment of the seabed.     

On the mechanism of the enrichment in radiocesium of near-bottom water in Lake Juodis, Lithuania

Evidence of the thermodynamic origin of a mechanism for radiocesium enrichment of near-bottom water based on the analysis of vertical profiles of standard water variables (pH, temperature, oxygen concentrations and conductivity) in Lake Juodis is presented. This mechanism is shown to be related to disturbances in the thermohalinic stability (buoyancy effects) of sediment interstitial liquids inducing their interfacial transfer. The mechanism reveals itself even in aerobic waters during cooling processes in autumn under weather conditions inducing the formation of a steep temperature gradient in the surface sediments. These gradients may be formed due to intense sediment cooling as well as in cases of cooling interruptions owing to the arrival of warm air masses inducing temperature stratification of the water column. In the latter case, a sharp decrease in the heat flux from sediments through the stagnant water column promotes relative overheating of the sediment surface layer and the consequent initiation of buoyancy forces inducing interfacial transfer of sediment interstitial liquids enriched in dissolved material. Intrusions of interstitial liquids and their vertical thermodynamic transfer through the water column are followed by the formation of a specific vertical structure consisting of a set of evenly mixed water layers which are especially distinctly observable under ice cover in winter. The mechanism is responsible for lake water contamination by radiocesium and other pollutants dissolved in interstitial liquids. The investigation results explain the phenomenon of “super warm” lakes where temperatures of near-bottom waters under ice in winter are higher than 4 °C.     

A modelling study on 137Cs and 239,240Pu behaviour in the Alborán Sea, western Mediterranean

A model for simulating the dispersion processes of 137Cs and 239,240Pu in the Alborán Sea is described. The model consists of two hydrodynamic models: a 2D depth-averaged model and a two-layer model which provide tidal and geostrophic currents, respectively; a sediment transport model which provides suspended particle concentrations and sedimentation rates over the domain; and the radionuclide dispersion model including interactions of dissolved radionuclides with suspended particles and bed sediments. These processes are formulated using kinetic transfer coefficients. The hydrodynamic and sediment models are run and validated in advance, and their results are then used to simulate the dispersion of 137Cs and 239,240Pu, which are introduced from atmospheric fallout. Radionuclide concentrations in the water column and distributions in bed sediments have been compared with measurements in the sea. Both set of data are, in general, in agreement. The model has also been applied to calculate radionuclide fluxes through the Strait of Gibraltar. These computed fluxes have been compared with previous estimations as well.     

Quantitative assessment of the long term behaviour of 90Sr in Lake Uruskul,Southern Urals,Russia

The present paper is aimed at assessing the long term behaviour of 90Sr migration from water to bottom sediments of Lake Uruskul, Southern Urals, Russia. The lake was contaminated following the nuclear accident at the Mayak nuclear complex in 1957 (the Kyshtym accident). Some transfer parameters relevant to the behaviour of 90Sr in the water-sediment system were evaluated: a) the radionuclide migration velocity from the water column to the bottom sediment, b) the radionuclide migration rate from bottom sediment to water, and c) the radionuclide migration rate from bottom sediment to deep sediment. The estimated values of the above parameters were 6.4 x 10(-1) m s(-1), 5.7 x 10(-10) s(-1) and 5.2 x 10(-10) s(-1), respectively. These values were compared with data obtained for some Italian lakes contaminated by 90Sr after the nuclear weapons tests fallout. The relatively low radionuclide migration from water to sediment of these lakes is reflected by the values of the ratio migration velocity/migration rate from sediment to water (4 m and 12 m) that are significantly lower than the corresponding value in the Russian lake (112 m). The peculiar hydrochemical conditions of Lake Uruskul (high pH, high mineralisation, etc.) are considered to be responsible for the high radionuclide migration from water to sediment.     

Use of 210Pb and 137Cs to simultaneously constrain ages and sources of post-dam sediments in the Cordeaux reservoir, Sydney, Australia

Environmental radionuclides can be employed as tracers of sediment movement and delivery to water bodies such as lakes and reservoirs. The chronologies of sediments that have accumulated in the Cordeaux reservoir in Sydney, Australia, were determined by the rate of change of (210)Pb(ex) with depth and indicate slow accretion in the reservoir. The ratio of enrichment of radionuclides in sediment cores to (210)Pb(ex) and (137)Cs concentrations in a reference soil sample within the Cordeaux catchment indicates that the dominant source of sediment in the Cordeaux reservoir is surface erosion (detachment and removal of sediment at depths less than 30 cm). However, in the Kembla Creek arm of the reservoir a mixture of sources was detected and includes sheet and rill erosion together with sub-soil contributions. Implications for the utility of these radionuclide sedimentation assessments, especially where samples are limited, are that well-constrained chronologies and sources of soil erosion are facilitated.     

A process-based model for the partitioning of soluble, suspended particulate and bed sediment fractions of plutonium and caesium in the eastern Irish Sea

A dynamic model of plutonium behaviour in the marine environment has been developed, representing the oxidation state distribution and partitioning of plutonium between the soluble, colloidal, suspended particulate and seabed sediment fractions. With simple re-parameterisation, this model can also be applied to (137)Cs. The model, which is calibrated and validated against field data, has been used to predict concentrations of Pu(alpha) and (137)Cs in both water and seabed sediments from the vicinity of the Sellafield Ltd. reprocessing plant in Cumbria, UK. The model predicts that sediment reworking and transport are the key environmental processes as the Sellafield Pu(alpha) and (137)Cs discharge continues to decline. Inventory calculations generated by the model are consistent with previous estimations. For a hypothetical post-discharge scenario, the concentrations of these radionuclides in both seawater and surface sediments are predicted to decrease sharply, concurrent with a downward vertical migration of the activity retained in sediments.     

The Amoco Cadiz oil spill. Distribution and evolution of hydrocarbon concentrations in seawater and marine sediments

The shipwreck of the Amoco Cadiz supertanker on the rocks of the Brittany Coast of France (March, 1978) was one of the most disastrous oil spills ever recorded. The crude oils discharged in the marine environment were light petroleums. The distribution and the evolution of the oil pollution in the marine environment was examined. Chemical studies were limited to an overall estimate of the oil content to assess the importance and the extent of the pollution at the surface, in the water column, and in the sediment. UV fluorescence spectroscopy was used to detect oil in the seawater samples and IR spectrophotometry was used to analyze the sediment samples. Hydrocarbon concentrations in seawater ranged from 0.5 μ/1 to more than 100 μg/1. The oil spill has affected a very large section of the western English Channel. The diffusion of the hydrocarbons into the water column was observed. The evolution of the seawater pollution was followed, and the half-life of hydrocarbons in subsurface water was found to be between 11 and 28 days in different areas. One month after the disaster, the marine sediments were contaminated in the areas reached by the drifting slicks. The highest accumulation of petroleum in the sediments was located in the sheltered coastal environments. The natural decontamination process was found to be related to the nature of the sediment and the energy level of the geographic zone.     

鄱阳湖丰水期不同底质类型下氮、磷含量分析

以2011年7月份(丰水期)鄱阳湖实测数据为基础,通过不同底质在遥感影像上的光谱特征,将鄱阳湖底质分为沙滩、泥滩和草洲3种类型,并就不同底质类型鄱阳湖水体和底泥总氮(TN)、总磷(TP)含量进行分析。结果表明:(1)底质类型不同时,鄱阳湖表层水体TN、TP含量以及底泥磷含量平均值:沙滩泥滩草洲。底泥TN含量平均值:草洲泥滩沙滩。(2)底质为沙滩的站点主要分布在饶河入湖口至都昌段、赣江北支入湖口至星子段和入江水道前段,饶河、赣江高含量氮、磷的输入,以及沿途陆源污染物的排放,可能是沙滩底质表层水体TN、TP含量较高的一个因素;泥滩底质的站点,有一部分分布在星子至湖口段,该区间陆源污染的影响是泥滩底质表层水体TN、TP含量居次原因之一;而底质为草洲时,草洲对水体中氮、磷的吸收使得草洲底质的站点表层水体TN、TP含量最低。     

长江口海域表层沉积物环境质量的综合评价

利用2004年和2009年夏季航次长江口海域表层沉积物的监测统计结果,以加权平均环境质量综合指数法为基础,以参评因子动态分类排序法确定权重,以《海洋沉积物质量》(GB18668-2002)作为评价标准,构建新的海洋沉积物质量综合评价模式,对长江口海域表层沉积物中的主要污染因子进行了分类判别,综合评价了长江口海域表层沉积物质量状况。结果表明,长江口海域表层沉积物中硫化物、石油类、汞为常态因子,铅、镉、砷、多氯联苯和滴滴涕为关键因子,铜和有机碳在个别站位已成为预警因子;沉积物环境质量总体良好,综合评价指数介于0.267~0.636之间,均属于第一类海洋沉积物质量;个别站位铜、有机碳含量偏高,存在超标现象。此外,本文通过构建的海洋沉积物质量综合评模式计算过程简单、权重确定不受人为主观因素的影响、反映沉积物综合质量的时空变化特征比较客观,具有普适性。     

Pollution load of Pb,Zn, and Cd and mineralogy of the recent sediments of Jordan River/Jordan

The present geochemical analyses of Zn, Pb and Cd in eighteen subsurface sediment samples collected from two locations along the Jordan River show that Cd is anthropogenically enriched in these sediments. In the sediment column, the concentration of Zn, Pb and Cd decreases clearly with depth in the first location of the upper reach, due to the high rate of sedimentation in this location; whereas the enrichment of elements of the lower reach increases gradually towards the old sediments. The Anthropogenic factor of the studied metals lies in the sequence of Pb>Cd>Zn.     

柑橘果园扩张对寻乌水径流和输沙的影响

土地利用变化的水文效应是当前人类活动环境影响的研究热点.柑橘果园扩张是近20年来寻乌水流域最主要的土地利用变化.利用寻乌水流域3个时期的土地利用数据,设定不同土地利用情景,以SWAT模型模拟不同土地利用情景下的径流与输沙,并结合2000年以来柑橘果园扩张的遥感制图成果和寻乌水径流和泥沙观测资料,分析柑橘果园扩张对流域径流和输沙的影响.研究表明:SWAT模型模拟径流的效果较好(Re =-0.05;R2 = 0.79;Ens = 0.72),输沙模拟效果也在合理范围(Re = 0.75;R2 = 0.8;Ens = 0.71);1990～2015年间,寻乌水流域林地面积减少36.83％,果园面积增加42.48％,径流与输沙变化率分别为2.57％和4.27％;新垦果园面积与河道输沙量的关系不显著,这是因为河道输沙不仅与土壤侵蚀有关,同时也与土壤侵蚀地块与河道之间的区位关系有关,同时,在反坡水平阶等水保措施的作用下,果园水土流失得到有效控制.     

Occurrence of phthalate esters in water and sediment of urban lakes in a subtropical city, Guangzhou, South China

Extensive use of phthalate esters (PAEs) in both industrial processes and consumer products has resulted in the ubiquitous presence of these chemicals in the environment. This study reports the first data on the concentrations of 16 phthalate esters (PAEs) in water and sediments of the urban lakes in Guangzhou City. PAEs were detected in all samples analyzed, mainly originating from urban stormwater runoff, atmospheric deposition, as well as untreated discharge of industrial wastewater and municipal sewage. The Sigma(16)PAEs concentrations in water and sediments ranged from 1.69 to 4.72 microg L(-1) and 2.27 to 74.94 microg g(-1)-dry weight (dw), with the mean concentrations of 2.91 microg L(-1) and 20.85 microg g(-1)-dw, respectively, which indicates that sediment is a significant sink for PAEs. Variability of the Sigma 16PAEs concentrations in water and sediment in the urban lakes was almost consistent. The spatial distribution of PAEs was site-specific. Of the 16 PAEs, DMP, DEP, DnBP, DiBP, DMPP, and DEHP were present in all water and sediment samples. DnBP was abundant in water (53.0-81.2%), while no single dominant congener was found in sediments. The abundances of DiBP were similar to those of DEHP, and DiBP and DEHP collectively accounted for 77.2-97.6% of the Sigma 16PAEs concentrations. Congener specific analysis confirmed that DnBP was a predictive indicator for the dissolved summation operator16 PAEs concentration (correlation coefficient r=0.968, p<0.01), and that DiBP was a predictive indicator for the sediment summation operator16 PAEs concentration (r=0.975, p<0.01). As compared to the results for other studies, the urban lakes of Guangzhou were moderately polluted by PAEs.     

典型城内过富营养湖泊沉积物和间隙水中各形态磷的相关性研究

研究了武汉市繁华市中心典型过富营养湖泊沉积物—间隙水体系磷形态的相关性。对沉积物—间隙水中磷形态的连续提取分析发现,自然粒度下,沉积物中有机质含量与沉积物中有机/细菌聚合磷存在很好的线性相关性,说明沉积物中有机质是有机/细菌聚合磷的源;沉积物中总磷决定间隙水中总溶解性磷和溶解性磷酸盐的含量,并且总磷与间隙水中总溶解性磷和溶解性磷酸盐存在很好的相关性;沉积物中Fe P和Al P分别与间隙水中的Eh和溶解性磷酸盐存在相关性,说明Eh的大小严重影响Fe P和Al P的含量,但是Fe P和Al P含量之和又主导着间隙水中溶解性磷酸盐的含量。对典型市内过富营养湖泊的沉积物－间隙水体系中形态磷的相关性研究,旨在为控制这种典型过富营养湖泊沉积物中磷向水体释放提供理论参考。     

Sediment problems and lake restoration in Wisconsin

Twelve dredging projects are underway or will soon begin in Wisconsin. These include both natural and man-made lakes, with lake size and sediment removal up to 205 ha and 1,720,250 m³, respectively. Solids content of the sediments ranges from 70%–80% to 1%–5%. The projects were designed using a mixture of on-site data collection, predictive models, and professional judgement. Sediment disposal has limited project implementation, with arsenic being a special problem. Theoretically, sediment concentrations below 4 μg/g could still produce unacceptable contamination of groundwater at the disposal site. One project is being held up, pending completion of laboratory testing. Organic sediments from Lilly Lake were deposited in an active gravel pit and within diked areas on agricultural land. Passage through a spray irrigation system proved impractical. Rapid infiltration of water into the bottom and sides of the settling basins was short-lived due to the self-sealing characteristics of these sediments. Studies are now underway to determine the effect of lake sediment application to upland soils on corn production.     

Uptake and loss of 134Cs and 60Co by the Baltic bivalve Macoma baltica in a laboratory microcosmos

Accumulation and clearance of ¹³⁴Cs and ⁶⁰Co by the Baltic bivalve Macoma baltica were experimentally investigated in a laboratory microcosmos. The nuclides were added to the water and the activities in bivalve flesh, shell, feces and sediment were determined at regular intervals. The uptake was quite rapid, 40% (Cs) and 55% (Co) of the final steady state values being attained after 24 h. The subsequent releases were also rapid, 50% (Cs) and 40% (Co), of the accumulated activity being lost within 6 days. The experiments demonstrated that the major intake route following short-term releases of activity will be from the water column and that the close relationship between activity in water and organism can thus be used for predictive purposes without the complication of radionuclide uptake from contaminated sediments. However, for longer periods, the subsequent intake of sediments will generate a significant exposure pathway for this deposit-feeding bivalve.     

Remobilisation of 109Cd, 65Zn and 54Mn from freshwater-labelled river sediments when mixed with seawater

A major fraction of trace metals transported by rivers is associated with sediments, especially during flooding, when erosion and resuspension increase sediment loads. Upon contact with seawater in estuaries, changes in ionic strength and pH may remobilise trace metals from sediment surfaces into more bioavailable forms. The objective of the present work was to investigate time-dependent interactions between trace metals and freshwater sediments and their potential remobilisation upon contact with seawater. Two river sediments (one organic and one inorganic) were labelled with 109Cd2+, 65Zn2+ and 54Mn2+ radioactive tracers for periods up to 6 months. Sorption of tracers occurred rapidly (> or = 80% sorption, < 1 h), followed by a slower approach to pseudoequilibrium. Kd(6 months) were estimated as 460, 480 and 2200 ml/g (inorganic sediment) compared to 5300, 4000 and 1200 ml/g (organic sediment) for 109Cd, 65Zn and 54Mn, respectively. Remobilisation of tracers from labelled sediments was studied using sequential extractions. Artificial seawater extracts simulated an estuarine environment. Subsequent extractions provided information about more strongly sorbed tracer fractions within sediments. Remobilisation of 109Cd by seawater was significant (> 65%) and least affected by sediment type or freshwater labelling time. Redistribution of Cd to strongly bound phases was minimal (4% and 1% of 109Cd in strongly oxidisable fractions). Seawater remobilisation of 65Zn was significantly greater from the organic sediment (54%) compared to the inorganic sediment (8%), where a large fraction of 65Zn (14%) became irreversibly bound. Similarly, more 54Mn was remobilised by seawater from the organic sediment than the inorganic sediment (66% and 3% remobilised, respectively), i.e., 54Mn became more strongly bound in the inorganic sediment. A simple three-box model, based on first-order differential equations, was used to describe the interaction between tracers in spiked freshwater and two operationally defined sediment fractions ("seawater exchangeable" and "seawater unexchangeable") up to 6 months of freshwater labelling. Model simulations were fitted to experiment data and apparent rate constants were calculated using numerical optimisation methods. Sorption ratios from modelling data (i.e., k1/k2) were greater for organic compared to inorganic sediments, while fixation ratios were higher in inorganic sediments. In conclusion, trace metals can be remobilised from sediments on contact with seawater in estuaries. High organic content in sediments increased initial sorption of tracers but inhibited redistribution to more strongly bound fractions over time, resulting in greater remobilisation of tracers when in contact with seawater.