Influences of Flow Transients and Porous Medium Heterogeneity on Colloid-Associated Contaminant Transport in the Vadose Zone

We are investigating the role of colloids in the movement of radionuclides through water unsaturated porous media. This research is guided by a key objective of the Environmental Management Science Program (EMSP), which is to improve conceptual and predictive models for contaminant movement in complex vadose zone environments. In the report entitled National Roadmap for Vadose Zone Science and Technology [DOE, 2001], increases in the understanding of colloid-contaminant interactions, colloid mobilization, and colloid deposition within unsaturated soils are cited as requisite needs for predicting contaminant fate and distribution in the vadose zone. We seek to address these needs by pursuing three overarching goals: (1) identify the mechanisms that govern colloid mobilization, transport, and deposition within unsaturated porous media; (2) quantify the role of colloids in scavenging and facilitating the transport of radionuclides; and (3) develop and test a mathematical model suitable for simulating the movement of colloid-associated radionuclides through variably saturated porous media