Distribution coefficients (Kd) and desorption rates of 137Cs and 241Am in Black Sea sediments

The distribution coefficients (K_d) and desorption rates of ¹³⁷Cs and ²⁴¹Am radionuclides in bottom sediments at different locations in the Black Sea were studied under laboratory conditions. The K_d values were found to be 500 for ¹³⁷Cs and 3800 for ²⁴¹Am at the steady state and described exponential curves. Rapid uptake of the radionuclides occurred during the initial period and little accumulation happened after four days. The desorption rates for ¹³⁷Cs in different bottom sediments were best described by a three-component exponential model. The desorption half-times of ¹³⁷Cs ranged from 26 to 50 d at the slow components. However, the desorption rate of ²⁴¹Am described one component for all sediment samples and desorption half-time was found to be 75 d. In general, the results showed that the ²⁴¹Am radionuclide is more effectively transferred to bottom sediment and has longer turnover time than ¹³⁷Cs under Black Sea conditions.