Radiotracer applications: case studies from four continents

Abstract

Case studies are a simple way to demonstrate how radiotracers can be successfully used in the environment in addressing water resources contaminant transport and coastal management issues. This paper presents ten case studies from Korea, France, Brazil, Hong Kong, Australia, Belgium and Sweden using a variety of radiotracers including 99mTc, 198Au, 3H, 82Br, 32P, 175+181Hf, 160Tb, 51Cr(III), 65Zn, 54Mn and 35S. These studies address physical transport processes such as dispersion and mixing, reactive transport and adsorption and contaminant uptake. Traced components include water, effluent, nutrients, contaminants and mud in rivers, lakes, wetlands and coastal waters.