Measurement of ion transport in soils by a radioabsorption method

The transport of ions was investigated in industrial bentonites, montmorillonites, in soils of different nature and in soils of original structure using radioactive isotopes by a radioabsorption method. The effective diffusion coefficient and activation energy characteristic of the transport process were determined. The radioabsorption method sensitively follows the micromigration of radioactive ions in soils; it is rapid, applicable to the determination of diffusion coefficients in a wide range (10-18-10-9 m2s-1), gives results with good reproducibility (SD 30 percent) and makes possible the comprehensive investigation of factors influencing transport processes in soils. (author). 18 refs.; 1 fig.; 17 tabs