Computer Simulation Study of Transient Diffusion of Cesium through Granite with Unsteady-State Diffusion Model

Abstract

A steady-state diffusion model has been used widely to determine the diffusivities of radionuclides in rocks. Buffer container at the source solution side is used to keep the concentration constant. It is suitable for non-sorptive species, but not for sorptive species. Some researchers proposed a unsteady-state diffusion model recently. It is possible to use simple experimental apparatus without buffer container to measure the diffusivity with this model. To obtain the diffusional information more easily according to the sorption properties of radionuclides, through- diffusion experiments were performed in granites. Methods of determining of diffusivities are discussed according to sorption properties of species. For the non-sorptive species, the steady- state diffusion model was effective to determine the diffusivity. For the sorptive species, the analytical solution of the unsteady-state diffusion model found to be more appropriate to determine the diffusivity. Surface diffusion of sorbed species on rock did important role in diffusive transport.

KEYWORDS:

• cesium
• sorption
• granite
• unsteady-state diffusion
• pore diffusion
• surface diffusion