A Model for the Movement and Loss of 137Cs In a Small Watershed

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Abstract
A mathematical model which describes the turnover of fallout 137Cs in a small lake is presented. The model is based on the assumption that the water of the lake receives 137Cs from deposition on the surface of the lake and from removal of the radionuclide from the drainage-area. The loss of 137Cs from the water is assumed to occur through outflow and sedimentation. Based on observed concentrations of 137Cs in the water and in the sediment, the model was used to determine that 1.9% of the freshly deposited 137Cs and 0.56%/yr of the accumulated 137Cs in the drainage-area of the lake is transported to the lake and that 38% of the contribution of 137Cs to the lake is accumulated in the sediment. This indicates that the radionuclide is strongly bound to soil and vegetation in the drainage-area and that the movement of 137Cs in the watershed is small and mainly consists of a transport of the radionuclide to the sediment. The loss of 137Cs from the watershed is small and the dominating way is through physical decay.

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