Basic microscopic theory of the distribution, transfer and uptake kinetics of dissolved radionuclides by suspended particulate matter — part II: Applications

From recent experimental findings on dissolved radionuclide adsorption by suspended particulate matter, some further theoretical effort is needed to explain both the wide kd variability range and the factors affecting uptake kinetics. In the previous paper we have studied the uptake of dissolved radionuclides by suspended particles from a microscopic viewpoint. We developed a mathematical description of the kinetic transfer and the kd distribution coefficients. The most relevant contribution is the assumption that exchange of radionuclides occurs across a specific surface layer of non-zero thickness on particles. A wide range of experimental findings can be explained by this theory as will be demonstrated here using literature data. Also, the derived governing equations can be solved using a finite differences method to illustrate the effects of particle size spectra, temperature, suspended load concentrations, pH and salinity, amongst other factors, on radionuclide partitioning.