137Cs diffusion in the highly organic sediment of Hidden Lake, Fraser Island, Queensland

1 January 1984

journal article
research article
Published by CSIRO Publishing in Marine and Freshwater Research

Vol. 35 (5) , 537-548
https://doi.org/10.1071/mf9840537

Abstract

The vertical distribution of 137Cs (originating from nuclear fallout since 1954) in the highly organic sediment of Hidden Lake is found to be inconsistent with 14C and 210Pb data. Mathematical models of bioturbation indicate that this mechanism cannot explain the discrepancy. Diffusive migration of 137Cs is modelled using the experimentally determined value of ≈140 for the distribution coefficient, KD, of 137Cs in Hidden Lake sediment. It is concluded that 137Cs is diffusing in the sediment at an effective rate of c. cm2 s-1 due to the low value of KD The diffusive mechanism is further modified by adsorption or absorption at or near the sediment-water interface.

Keywords

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