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Characterization of Colloid Mobility using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Techniques


EMSL Project ID
7198

Abstract

Transport of radionuclides through the subsurface can be facilitated via colloids. Such colloid-facilitated transport is likely to occur at the Hanford site, where there is a great potential for in situ formation of colloids as leaking tank waste enters the vadose zone. It is known that colloids are mobile under water-saturated conditions. Under unsaturated conditions, however, colloid mobility and movement is considerably reduced. As the water films around sediment particles become smaller when the water content decreases, colloid mobility is reduced. We propose here to investigate colloidal mobility in variably-saturated sediments. To make colloids NMR visible, the particles will be tagged with 19F. Different 19F loading levels will be tested for optimal NMR results. Colloid diffusional rotation will then be studied with NMR at different water saturations of the sediments. We aim to determine the water saturation when colloid diffusional rotation becomes restricted.

Project Details

Project type
Capability Research
Start Date
2004-09-22
End Date
2005-09-30
Status
Closed

Team

Principal Investigator

Markus Flury
Institution
Washington State University

Team Members

Youjun Deng
Institution
Washington State University

Related Publications

Characterization of Colloid Mobility Using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Techniques