Radiotracer investigation for bedload movement at New Mangalore Port, Mangalore

A radiotracer investigation was carried out at New Mangalore Port, Mangalore to investigate the suitability of the disposal site for dredged sediments. Scandium-46 as scandium glass powder having activity 5 Ci (185 GBq) was used as a radiotracer. The radiotracer was injected on seabed using a specially designed injection system and its movement on seabed was monitored using a waterproof scintillation detector mounted on a sled and connected to a rate meter. From the recorded radiation intensity, isocount contours were plotted and the dispersion of tracer was investigated. The results of the investigation showed that the tracer predominantly moved north-west and south-east direction and the site was found suitable for disposing the dredged sediments. (author)