Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://apo.ansto.gov.au/dspace/handle/10238/5446
Title: Biotic, temporal and spatial variability of tritium concentrations in transpirate samples collected in the vicinity of a near-surface low-level nuclear waste disposal site and nearby research reactor
Authors: Twining, JR
Hughes, CE
Harrison, JJ
Hankin, SI
Crawford, J
Johansen, MP
Dyer, LL
Keywords: Tritium
Low-level radioactive wastes
Transpiration
Correlation functions
Ground water
Leachates
Forests
Soils
Plants
Issue Date: 1-Jun-2011
Publisher: Elsevier Science Ltd
Citation: Twining, J. R., Hughes, C. E., Harrison, J. J., Hankin, S., Crawford, J., Johansen, M., & Dyer, L. (2011). Biotic, temporal and spatial variability of tritium concentrations in transpirate samples collected in the vicinity of a near-surface low-level nuclear waste disposal site and nearby research reactor. Journal of Environmental Radioactivity, 102(6), 551-558. doi:10.1016/j.jenvrad.2011.02.012
Abstract: The results of a 21 month sampling program measuring tritium in tree transpirate with respect to local sources are reported. The aim was to assess the potential of tree transpirate to indicate the presence of sub-surface seepage plumes. Transpirate gathered from trees near low-level nuclear waste disposal trenches contained activity concentrations of (3)H that were significantly higher (up to similar to 700 Bq L(-1)) than local background levels (0-10 Bq L(-1)). The effects of the waste source declined rapidly with distance to be at background levels within 10s of metres. A research reactor 1.6 km south of the site contributed significant (p < 0.01) local fallout (3)H but its influence did not reach as far as the disposal trenches. The elevated (3)H levels in transpirate were, however, substantially lower than groundwater concentrations measured across the site (ranging from 0 to 91% with a median of 2%). Temporal patterns of tree transpirate (3)H, together with local meteorological observations, indicate that soil water within the active root zones comprised a mixture of seepage and rainfall infiltration. The degree of mixing was variable given that the soil water activity concentrations were heterogeneous at a scale equivalent to the effective rooting volume of the trees. In addition, water taken up by roots was not well mixed within the trees. Based on correlation modelling, net rainfall less evaporation (a surrogate for infiltration) over a period of from 2 to 3 weeks prior to sampling seems to be the optimum predictor of transpirate (3)H variability for any sampled tree at this site. The results demonstrate successful use of (3)H in transpirate from trees to indicate the presence and general extent of sub-surface contamination at a low-level nuclear waste site. Crown Copyright © 2011, Elsevier Ltd.
Gov't Doc #: 4073
URI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvrad.2011.02.012
http://apo.ansto.gov.au/dspace/handle/10238/5446
ISSN: 0265-931X
Appears in Collections:Journal Articles

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