Modeling of diffusion behavior of humic acid and Nd in the presence of humic acid in compacted bentonite

The diffusion behavior of HA and Nd in the presence of HA in compacted bentonite was investigated experimentally by means of the through-diffusion method. Breakthrough of HA is observed in 1 and 0.1 mol dm−3 NaCl solution and is more significant with a lower dry density such as 1.2 Mg m−3. The one dimensional diffusion model taking parallel complexation equilibrium into account was fitted to the experimentally obtained breakthrough curves and concentration profiles, and the diffusion parameters, such as effective diffusivity and rock capacity factor, were evaluated. The obtained effective diffusivity, around 10−11 m2 s−1, for HA and Nd–HA is comparable to the previously reported value. Using these parameters, predictive calculations were performed to evaluate the effect of HA concentration and sorption distribution coefficient. It is indicated that the effect of sorption distribution coefficient is significant only for a short period and that relatively low HA concentrations might bring higher diffused mass depending on the diffusion behavior of dominant species.