Diffusion-controlled tracer retention in crystalline rock on the field scale

• Tracer retention is a key process for the barrier function of crystalline rock to any contaminant. Here we investigate the nature of retention mechanisms and their field-scale parametrization using results of a comprehensive tracer transport experiment in crystalline rock on the field scale (Aspo Hard Rock Laboratory, Sweden). A method for identifying dominant retention mechanisms and inferring key parameters on the site scale is presented. Taking advantage of multiple tracer tests with a wide range of sorption affinities, retention is shown to be diffusion-controlled. For the considered site, robust features of tracer migration can be reasonably well predicted within a rock volume on at least 200 m scale, by combining independent information with a simple model.

Subject headings

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Geovetenskap och miljövetenskap (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Earth and Related Environmental Sciences (hsv//eng)

Keyword

MATRIX DIFFUSION

TRANSPORT

FRACTURE

GRANITE

Earth sciences

Geovetenskap

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)