Role of organics in the subsurface migration of radionuclides in groundwater

Research is underway at a commercial shallow-land burial site at Maxey Flats, Kentucky, to identify the chemical forms of migrating radionuclides. An experimental study area, consisting of an experimental slit trench in five sections and a number of inert atmosphere wells, was constructed adjacent to a waste-filled trench to monitor any subsurface migration of radionuclides in groundwater. Research to date indicates that certain radionuclides, /sup 3/H, /sup 238,239,240/Pu, /sup 90/Sr, /sup 60/Co and /sup 137/Cs, have migrated within the study area over relatively short distances (4-7m). The appearance of EDTA and the barbiturates in only one inert atmosphere well argues that communication between the waste-filled area and the experimental study area is very specific, presumably via fracture flow. Radionuclide, inorganic and organic data indicate that the groundwater flow patterns are complex, at least in the vicinity of the experimental study area