In this study, the hydrogeochemical program PHREEQC was used to determine the chemical speciation... more In this study, the hydrogeochemical program PHREEQC was used to determine the chemical speciation and mineral saturation indices (SIs) of groundwater in the vicinity of the proposed high-level nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain, Nevada (USA). In turn, these data were used to interpret the origin and recharge mode of groundwater, to elucidate the mechanisms of flow and transport, and to determine potential sources of groundwater contamination. PHREEQC was run to determine aqueous dissolved species and minerals that would be in equilibrium with the study area's groundwater. Selected major ions, associated SI, F À and Ca/Na ion exchange were then examined using the multivariate statistical methods of principal component factor analysis and k-means cluster analysis. Analysis of dissolved ion concentrations , SIs, and Ca/Na ion exchange allows simultaneous consideration of arithmetic (raw concentrations) and logarithmic (SI, ion exchange) variables that describe the hydrochemical system and, therefore, can provide further insight into the system's behavior. The analysis indicates that the dominant processes and reactions responsible for the hydrochemical evolution in the system are (1) evaporative concentration prior to infiltration, (2) carbonate equilibrium, (3) silicate weathering reactions, (4) limited mixing with saline water, (5) dissolution/precipitation of calcite, dolomite and fluorite, and (6) ion exchange. Principal component factor analysis and k-means cluster analysis of factor scores allow the reduction of dimensions describing the system and the identification of hydrogeochemical facies and the processes that defined and govern their evolution. Statistical analysis results indicate that the northern, west face and southern Yucca Mountain groundwater is fresh water with low concentrations of Ca 2+ , Mg 2+ , Cl À , Ca 2+ /(Na +) 2 , and CaF 2. The Fortymile Wash groundwater is dilute. The carbonate signature is shown in the Ash Meadows and Death Valley waters with high fluorite SI. Finally, the Crater Flat, Stripped Hills, and Skeleton Hills are dominated by Ca/Na ion exchange, Mg and Ca. The hydrochemical and statistical analyses showed three main groundwater signatures or hydrochemical processes indicating groundwater evolution, potential flowpaths, and recharge areas. The flowpaths are the trace of the Amargosa River, the trace of Fortymile Wash, and its convergence with the Amargosa River. This appears to represent not just a groundwater flow path, but traces of surface runoff infiltration as well.
Groundwater geochemical data from the Amargosa Desert region were analyzed to better understand t... more Groundwater geochemical data from the Amargosa Desert region were analyzed to better understand the general flow system, geochemical evolution and recharge patterns around Fortymile Wash near Yucca Mountain, Nevada. Major ion chemistry, silica, fluoride and associated saturation indices, determined with PHREEQC, were examined sequentially using the multivariate statistical methods of principal component factor analysis and k-means cluster analysis. Analysis of both major ion data concentrations and their saturation indices allows simultaneous consideration of arithmetic (raw concentrations) and logarithmic (saturation indices) variables that describe the hydrochemical system and therefore can provide further insight into the system's behavior. The factor analysis of the major ion and saturation indices transforms the variables into a tractable number of descriptive factors that are rotated to summarize the chemical groundwater system and better interpret system variation. Cluster analysis of the reduced hydrochemical system establishes distinct hydrochemical facies independently of the lithological data, but in good agreement with it. These analyses showed several groundwater signatures or hydrochemical processes indicating groundwater evolution, potential flowpaths, and recharge areas such as the important one along Fortymile Wash.
Nuclear power use is expected to expand in the future and result in hundreds of thousands of metr... more Nuclear power use is expected to expand in the future and result in hundreds of thousands of metric tons of spent nuclear fuel (SNF). One of the main concerns of nuclear energy use is SNF disposal. Storage in geological repositories is a reasonable solution for the accumulation of SNF. One of the key factors that determine the performance of the proposed geological repository at Yucca Mountain (YM), NV is the release of radionuclides from the engineered barrier system (EBS) by water transport. Over time, EBS, including nuclear waste containers, is expected to fail gradually due to general and localized corrosion. Physical and chemical disturbances in the environment of the repository will lead to different corrosion rates at different locations of the waste packages. Considering the inherent uncertainty of the failure sequence of a waste package, two main failure scenarios are expected: flow through model (penetrations are on the top and bottom of the waste package causing water to flow through it) and bathtub model (penetrations are on the top with the waste package filling with water). In this paper, we consider a bathtub category failed waste container and shed some light on chemical and physical processes that take place in the pooled water and their effects on radionuclide release. We consider two possibilities: temperature stratification of the pooled water versus mixing. Our calculations show that there will be temperature stratification of the pooled water in the lower half of the waste package, and mixing in the upper half. The effect of these situations on oxygen availability and consequently spent fuel alteration and waste container components corrosion is also considered.
This report was prepared by the Nye County Nuclear Waste Repository Project Office, pursuant
to a... more This report was prepared by the Nye County Nuclear Waste Repository Project Office, pursuant to a Cooperative Agreement funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, and neither Nye County nor any of its contractors or subcontractors nor the U.S. Department of Energy, nor any person acting on behalf of either, assumes any liabilities with respect to the use of, or for damages resulting from the use of, any information, apparatus, method, or process disclosed in this report. Reference herein to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the U.S. Department of Energy or Nye County. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the U.S. Department of Energy.
The study investigates how water chemistry evolves as ephemeral stream runoff is formed through t... more The study investigates how water chemistry evolves as ephemeral stream runoff is formed through the interaction of sediments and precipitation in the Amargosa Desert region and by analogy other desert regions. In this study, thirty lysimeters were installed in the major arroyos in the Amargosa Desert to capture runoff water. The sampling process included sediment, precipitation, and runoff water chemistry. Innovative and low cost methods were used to measure the chemical composition of the resulting runoff and examined some of the important processes affecting the runoff chemistry. Results of the analytical and statistical analyses indicate that runoff salinity is low as a result of net salt accumulation in sediments. Chemical behavior between precipitation and runoff is classified as leached (, Mn). Bromide behaves as a nutrient meaning the chloride/bromide ratio, a common tracer of groundwater sources, is not conservative. Runoff chloride, sulfate, and sodium are predominantly associated with concentrations of the same ions in sediment. Trace elements are more closely associated with precipitation chemistry.
Groundwater chemistry data from 211 sampling locations in the vicinity of Yucca Mountain, Nevada ... more Groundwater chemistry data from 211 sampling locations in the vicinity of Yucca Mountain, Nevada are analyzed using multivariate statistical methods in order to better understand groundwater chemical evolution, ascertain potential flow paths and determine hydrochemical facies. Correspondence analysis of the major ion chemistry is used to define relationships between and among major ions and sampling locations. A k-means cluster analysis is used to determine hydrochemical facies based on correspondence analysis dimensions. The derived dimensions and hydrochemical facies are presented as biplots and overlaid on a digital elevation model of the region giving a visual picture of potential interactions and flow paths. A distinct signature of the groundwater chemistry along the extended flow path of Fortymile Wash can be observed along with some potential interaction at possible fault lines near Highway I-95. The signature from Fortymile Wash is believed to represent the relict of water that infiltrated during past pluvial periods when the amount of runoff in the wash was significantly larger than during the current drier period. This hypothesis appears to be supported by hydrogen-2 and oxygen-18 data which indicate that younger groundwater is found in the upper part of the wash near Yucca Mountain and older groundwater is found in the lower region of the wash near Amargosa River. The range of the hydrogen-2 data corresponds to precipitation in a period of relatively cold climate and has a similar spatial signature to the oxygen-18 data. If the hypothesis that current groundwater chemistry primarily reflects past focused infiltration of surface runoff rather than regional groundwater migration is correct, then saturated zone transport from Yucca Mountain may be much slower than is currently anticipated.
The multivariate statistical methods of Principal Component Factor Analysis (PCFA) and K- Means C... more The multivariate statistical methods of Principal Component Factor Analysis (PCFA) and K- Means Cluster Analysis (KMCA) are sequentially used on groundwater chemistry form the Amargosa Desert region to estimate possible hydrochemical processes and facies along with probable groundwater flow paths and evolution in the region. PCFA is applied to major ion data and results are rotated, thus reducing the number of variables describing the system and allowing for better interpretation of the system's variation in terms of hydrochemical processes. KMCA is applied to factor scores derived from the rotated PCFA to allow the grouping of sampling locations with similar water chemistries into hydrochemical facies. The resulting rotated factor loadings and scores are presented as biplots, demonstrating relationships between and among variables and sampling locations. Derived factor scores and hydrochemical facies are overlain on a digital elevation map of the region providing a visual picture of hydrochemical evolutions, localized recharge centers and potential groundwater interactions with geologic and topographic features in the region. In particular, a distinct ground- water-chemical signature is observed on the extended flowpath of Fortymile Wash, which presents some contradiction to contemporary water levels, along with potential interaction with a fault line. The signature surrounding the ephemeral Fortymile Wash is believed to represent the relic of water that infiltrated during past-pluvial periods when the amount of runoff in the wash was significantly larger than during the current-drier period. This hypothesis and aforementioned analyses are supported by the examination of chloride, oxygen- 18, hydrogen-2 and carbon-14 data from the region.
The border region is growing rapidly and experiencing a sharp decline both in water quality and a... more The border region is growing rapidly and experiencing a sharp decline both in water quality and availability putting a strain on the quickly diminishing resource. Since water is used primarily for agricultural, domestic, commercial, livestock, mining and power generation, its rapid depletion is of major concern in the region. Tools such as Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Correspondence Analysis and Cluster Analysis have the potential to present new insight into this problem. The Borderland groundwater is analyzed here using some of these Multivariate Analysis methods. PCA is applied to geo-chemical data from the region and a Cluster Analysis is applied to the results in order to group wells with similar characteristics. The derived Principal Axis and well groups are presented as biplots and overlaid on a digital elevation map of the region providing a visualization of potential interactions and flow path between surface water and ground water. Simulation by this modeling technique give a valuable insight to the water chemistry and the potential pollution threats to the already water diminishing resources.
Groundwater geochemical data from 211 sampling locations in the Amargosa Desert region are analyz... more Groundwater geochemical data from 211 sampling locations in the Amargosa Desert region are analyzed to better understand the general flow system and climate-induced changes in recharge around Fortymile Wash near Yucca Mountain. Major ion groundwater chemistry was examined using the multivariate statistical methods of principal component analysis and k-means cluster analysis. These analyses showed several groundwater signatures, or potential flowpaths; the most pronounced tracked the entire length of Fortymile Wash. Carbon-14 data from 98 sampling locations in the region, corrected with carbon-13 data, are presented. Corrected carbon-14 dating of groundwater beneath Fortymile Wash shows ages between 8,000 years BP in the upper canyon region and 14,000 years BP in the lower region near the Amargosa Desert. This range in ages corresponds to the end of the Pleistocene and early Holocene epochs, marking the end of Wisconsin glaciation and the start of the current interglacial period. In contrast, groundwater adjacent to Fortymile Wash appears to be older. The trend of increasing groundwater age beneath Fortymile Wash with increasing distance from the source suggests that the average reach of runoff events and recharge diminished over time as the climate became warmer and dryer. Stable isotopic hydrogen-2 data and oxygen-18 data from 115 and 118 sampling locations, respectively, from the same region are interpreted in relation to the global meteoric water line. The hydrogen-2 and oxygen-18 signatures are similar to carbon-14 corrected by carbon-13 and principal component analysis signatures, and are evidence of changes to the groundwater system as the climate became warmer and dryer during the past 14,000 years.
In order to measure the chemical characteristics of runoff water which has entered the sediments ... more In order to measure the chemical characteristics of runoff water which has entered the sediments beneath ephemeral streams, Surface Runoff Samplers (SRS's) were designed. SRS represent a modification to the lysimeter. SRS's were designed to provide a stronger collection surface, more efficient connections for sample collection and to measure particularly the first flush of runoff. In addition, Infiltration characteristics, which are predominantly influenced by soil properties, were considered in the SRS design. Advantages of SRS design are: easy to assemble, requires minimum maintenance once installed, and total cost is relatively low. The limitations include: manual pumping is required and SRS must be checked on a regular schedule and pumped when full (depending on rain frequency and intensity). The design and emplacement of 56 SRS's at 28 separate locations in the main arroyos around the Amargosa Desert region is explained and provides a look at initial data collection...
... Hydro-chemical studies conducted on groundwater quality of Solapur city revealed that dug wel... more ... Hydro-chemical studies conducted on groundwater quality of Solapur city revealed that dug wells are more polluted than bore wells and the groundwater contamination is mainly due to anthropogenic activities (Naik et al. 2008). Krishna et al. ...
One of the most important concerns related to the use of nuclear energy is the disposal of nuclea... more One of the most important concerns related to the use of nuclear energy is the disposal of nuclear waste. Geologic repositories are convenient options for permanent disposal of highly radioactive waste. They are technically feasible, protect the environment in the short and long term, and allow spent fuel retrieval for future reprocessing. The repository at Yucca Mountain, Nevada, is the first geological repository intended to store high-level radioactive waste. A key factor determining the performance of this proposed repository is the release of radionuclides from the engineered barrier system into the accessible environment. In the long run, due to the physical and chemical disturbances in the environment of the repository, the waste packages will corrode at different rates and at different locations. As water penetrates the failed waste packages, the radionuclides will be carried by infiltrating water to the groundwater. In this paper we model a failure case, where penetrations ...
In this study, the hydrogeochemical program PHREEQC was used to determine the chemical speciation... more In this study, the hydrogeochemical program PHREEQC was used to determine the chemical speciation and mineral saturation indices (SIs) of groundwater in the vicinity of the proposed high-level nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain, Nevada (USA). In turn, these data were used to interpret the origin and recharge mode of groundwater, to elucidate the mechanisms of flow and transport, and to determine potential sources of groundwater contamination. PHREEQC was run to determine aqueous dissolved species and minerals that would be in equilibrium with the study area's groundwater. Selected major ions, associated SI, F À and Ca/Na ion exchange were then examined using the multivariate statistical methods of principal component factor analysis and k-means cluster analysis. Analysis of dissolved ion concentrations , SIs, and Ca/Na ion exchange allows simultaneous consideration of arithmetic (raw concentrations) and logarithmic (SI, ion exchange) variables that describe the hydrochemical system and, therefore, can provide further insight into the system's behavior. The analysis indicates that the dominant processes and reactions responsible for the hydrochemical evolution in the system are (1) evaporative concentration prior to infiltration, (2) carbonate equilibrium, (3) silicate weathering reactions, (4) limited mixing with saline water, (5) dissolution/precipitation of calcite, dolomite and fluorite, and (6) ion exchange. Principal component factor analysis and k-means cluster analysis of factor scores allow the reduction of dimensions describing the system and the identification of hydrogeochemical facies and the processes that defined and govern their evolution. Statistical analysis results indicate that the northern, west face and southern Yucca Mountain groundwater is fresh water with low concentrations of Ca 2+ , Mg 2+ , Cl À , Ca 2+ /(Na +) 2 , and CaF 2. The Fortymile Wash groundwater is dilute. The carbonate signature is shown in the Ash Meadows and Death Valley waters with high fluorite SI. Finally, the Crater Flat, Stripped Hills, and Skeleton Hills are dominated by Ca/Na ion exchange, Mg and Ca. The hydrochemical and statistical analyses showed three main groundwater signatures or hydrochemical processes indicating groundwater evolution, potential flowpaths, and recharge areas. The flowpaths are the trace of the Amargosa River, the trace of Fortymile Wash, and its convergence with the Amargosa River. This appears to represent not just a groundwater flow path, but traces of surface runoff infiltration as well.
Groundwater geochemical data from the Amargosa Desert region were analyzed to better understand t... more Groundwater geochemical data from the Amargosa Desert region were analyzed to better understand the general flow system, geochemical evolution and recharge patterns around Fortymile Wash near Yucca Mountain, Nevada. Major ion chemistry, silica, fluoride and associated saturation indices, determined with PHREEQC, were examined sequentially using the multivariate statistical methods of principal component factor analysis and k-means cluster analysis. Analysis of both major ion data concentrations and their saturation indices allows simultaneous consideration of arithmetic (raw concentrations) and logarithmic (saturation indices) variables that describe the hydrochemical system and therefore can provide further insight into the system's behavior. The factor analysis of the major ion and saturation indices transforms the variables into a tractable number of descriptive factors that are rotated to summarize the chemical groundwater system and better interpret system variation. Cluster analysis of the reduced hydrochemical system establishes distinct hydrochemical facies independently of the lithological data, but in good agreement with it. These analyses showed several groundwater signatures or hydrochemical processes indicating groundwater evolution, potential flowpaths, and recharge areas such as the important one along Fortymile Wash.
Nuclear power use is expected to expand in the future and result in hundreds of thousands of metr... more Nuclear power use is expected to expand in the future and result in hundreds of thousands of metric tons of spent nuclear fuel (SNF). One of the main concerns of nuclear energy use is SNF disposal. Storage in geological repositories is a reasonable solution for the accumulation of SNF. One of the key factors that determine the performance of the proposed geological repository at Yucca Mountain (YM), NV is the release of radionuclides from the engineered barrier system (EBS) by water transport. Over time, EBS, including nuclear waste containers, is expected to fail gradually due to general and localized corrosion. Physical and chemical disturbances in the environment of the repository will lead to different corrosion rates at different locations of the waste packages. Considering the inherent uncertainty of the failure sequence of a waste package, two main failure scenarios are expected: flow through model (penetrations are on the top and bottom of the waste package causing water to flow through it) and bathtub model (penetrations are on the top with the waste package filling with water). In this paper, we consider a bathtub category failed waste container and shed some light on chemical and physical processes that take place in the pooled water and their effects on radionuclide release. We consider two possibilities: temperature stratification of the pooled water versus mixing. Our calculations show that there will be temperature stratification of the pooled water in the lower half of the waste package, and mixing in the upper half. The effect of these situations on oxygen availability and consequently spent fuel alteration and waste container components corrosion is also considered.
This report was prepared by the Nye County Nuclear Waste Repository Project Office, pursuant
to a... more This report was prepared by the Nye County Nuclear Waste Repository Project Office, pursuant to a Cooperative Agreement funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, and neither Nye County nor any of its contractors or subcontractors nor the U.S. Department of Energy, nor any person acting on behalf of either, assumes any liabilities with respect to the use of, or for damages resulting from the use of, any information, apparatus, method, or process disclosed in this report. Reference herein to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the U.S. Department of Energy or Nye County. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the U.S. Department of Energy.
The study investigates how water chemistry evolves as ephemeral stream runoff is formed through t... more The study investigates how water chemistry evolves as ephemeral stream runoff is formed through the interaction of sediments and precipitation in the Amargosa Desert region and by analogy other desert regions. In this study, thirty lysimeters were installed in the major arroyos in the Amargosa Desert to capture runoff water. The sampling process included sediment, precipitation, and runoff water chemistry. Innovative and low cost methods were used to measure the chemical composition of the resulting runoff and examined some of the important processes affecting the runoff chemistry. Results of the analytical and statistical analyses indicate that runoff salinity is low as a result of net salt accumulation in sediments. Chemical behavior between precipitation and runoff is classified as leached (, Mn). Bromide behaves as a nutrient meaning the chloride/bromide ratio, a common tracer of groundwater sources, is not conservative. Runoff chloride, sulfate, and sodium are predominantly associated with concentrations of the same ions in sediment. Trace elements are more closely associated with precipitation chemistry.
Groundwater chemistry data from 211 sampling locations in the vicinity of Yucca Mountain, Nevada ... more Groundwater chemistry data from 211 sampling locations in the vicinity of Yucca Mountain, Nevada are analyzed using multivariate statistical methods in order to better understand groundwater chemical evolution, ascertain potential flow paths and determine hydrochemical facies. Correspondence analysis of the major ion chemistry is used to define relationships between and among major ions and sampling locations. A k-means cluster analysis is used to determine hydrochemical facies based on correspondence analysis dimensions. The derived dimensions and hydrochemical facies are presented as biplots and overlaid on a digital elevation model of the region giving a visual picture of potential interactions and flow paths. A distinct signature of the groundwater chemistry along the extended flow path of Fortymile Wash can be observed along with some potential interaction at possible fault lines near Highway I-95. The signature from Fortymile Wash is believed to represent the relict of water that infiltrated during past pluvial periods when the amount of runoff in the wash was significantly larger than during the current drier period. This hypothesis appears to be supported by hydrogen-2 and oxygen-18 data which indicate that younger groundwater is found in the upper part of the wash near Yucca Mountain and older groundwater is found in the lower region of the wash near Amargosa River. The range of the hydrogen-2 data corresponds to precipitation in a period of relatively cold climate and has a similar spatial signature to the oxygen-18 data. If the hypothesis that current groundwater chemistry primarily reflects past focused infiltration of surface runoff rather than regional groundwater migration is correct, then saturated zone transport from Yucca Mountain may be much slower than is currently anticipated.
The multivariate statistical methods of Principal Component Factor Analysis (PCFA) and K- Means C... more The multivariate statistical methods of Principal Component Factor Analysis (PCFA) and K- Means Cluster Analysis (KMCA) are sequentially used on groundwater chemistry form the Amargosa Desert region to estimate possible hydrochemical processes and facies along with probable groundwater flow paths and evolution in the region. PCFA is applied to major ion data and results are rotated, thus reducing the number of variables describing the system and allowing for better interpretation of the system's variation in terms of hydrochemical processes. KMCA is applied to factor scores derived from the rotated PCFA to allow the grouping of sampling locations with similar water chemistries into hydrochemical facies. The resulting rotated factor loadings and scores are presented as biplots, demonstrating relationships between and among variables and sampling locations. Derived factor scores and hydrochemical facies are overlain on a digital elevation map of the region providing a visual picture of hydrochemical evolutions, localized recharge centers and potential groundwater interactions with geologic and topographic features in the region. In particular, a distinct ground- water-chemical signature is observed on the extended flowpath of Fortymile Wash, which presents some contradiction to contemporary water levels, along with potential interaction with a fault line. The signature surrounding the ephemeral Fortymile Wash is believed to represent the relic of water that infiltrated during past-pluvial periods when the amount of runoff in the wash was significantly larger than during the current-drier period. This hypothesis and aforementioned analyses are supported by the examination of chloride, oxygen- 18, hydrogen-2 and carbon-14 data from the region.
The border region is growing rapidly and experiencing a sharp decline both in water quality and a... more The border region is growing rapidly and experiencing a sharp decline both in water quality and availability putting a strain on the quickly diminishing resource. Since water is used primarily for agricultural, domestic, commercial, livestock, mining and power generation, its rapid depletion is of major concern in the region. Tools such as Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Correspondence Analysis and Cluster Analysis have the potential to present new insight into this problem. The Borderland groundwater is analyzed here using some of these Multivariate Analysis methods. PCA is applied to geo-chemical data from the region and a Cluster Analysis is applied to the results in order to group wells with similar characteristics. The derived Principal Axis and well groups are presented as biplots and overlaid on a digital elevation map of the region providing a visualization of potential interactions and flow path between surface water and ground water. Simulation by this modeling technique give a valuable insight to the water chemistry and the potential pollution threats to the already water diminishing resources.
Groundwater geochemical data from 211 sampling locations in the Amargosa Desert region are analyz... more Groundwater geochemical data from 211 sampling locations in the Amargosa Desert region are analyzed to better understand the general flow system and climate-induced changes in recharge around Fortymile Wash near Yucca Mountain. Major ion groundwater chemistry was examined using the multivariate statistical methods of principal component analysis and k-means cluster analysis. These analyses showed several groundwater signatures, or potential flowpaths; the most pronounced tracked the entire length of Fortymile Wash. Carbon-14 data from 98 sampling locations in the region, corrected with carbon-13 data, are presented. Corrected carbon-14 dating of groundwater beneath Fortymile Wash shows ages between 8,000 years BP in the upper canyon region and 14,000 years BP in the lower region near the Amargosa Desert. This range in ages corresponds to the end of the Pleistocene and early Holocene epochs, marking the end of Wisconsin glaciation and the start of the current interglacial period. In contrast, groundwater adjacent to Fortymile Wash appears to be older. The trend of increasing groundwater age beneath Fortymile Wash with increasing distance from the source suggests that the average reach of runoff events and recharge diminished over time as the climate became warmer and dryer. Stable isotopic hydrogen-2 data and oxygen-18 data from 115 and 118 sampling locations, respectively, from the same region are interpreted in relation to the global meteoric water line. The hydrogen-2 and oxygen-18 signatures are similar to carbon-14 corrected by carbon-13 and principal component analysis signatures, and are evidence of changes to the groundwater system as the climate became warmer and dryer during the past 14,000 years.
In order to measure the chemical characteristics of runoff water which has entered the sediments ... more In order to measure the chemical characteristics of runoff water which has entered the sediments beneath ephemeral streams, Surface Runoff Samplers (SRS's) were designed. SRS represent a modification to the lysimeter. SRS's were designed to provide a stronger collection surface, more efficient connections for sample collection and to measure particularly the first flush of runoff. In addition, Infiltration characteristics, which are predominantly influenced by soil properties, were considered in the SRS design. Advantages of SRS design are: easy to assemble, requires minimum maintenance once installed, and total cost is relatively low. The limitations include: manual pumping is required and SRS must be checked on a regular schedule and pumped when full (depending on rain frequency and intensity). The design and emplacement of 56 SRS's at 28 separate locations in the main arroyos around the Amargosa Desert region is explained and provides a look at initial data collection...
... Hydro-chemical studies conducted on groundwater quality of Solapur city revealed that dug wel... more ... Hydro-chemical studies conducted on groundwater quality of Solapur city revealed that dug wells are more polluted than bore wells and the groundwater contamination is mainly due to anthropogenic activities (Naik et al. 2008). Krishna et al. ...
One of the most important concerns related to the use of nuclear energy is the disposal of nuclea... more One of the most important concerns related to the use of nuclear energy is the disposal of nuclear waste. Geologic repositories are convenient options for permanent disposal of highly radioactive waste. They are technically feasible, protect the environment in the short and long term, and allow spent fuel retrieval for future reprocessing. The repository at Yucca Mountain, Nevada, is the first geological repository intended to store high-level radioactive waste. A key factor determining the performance of this proposed repository is the release of radionuclides from the engineered barrier system into the accessible environment. In the long run, due to the physical and chemical disturbances in the environment of the repository, the waste packages will corrode at different rates and at different locations. As water penetrates the failed waste packages, the radionuclides will be carried by infiltrating water to the groundwater. In this paper we model a failure case, where penetrations ...
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to a Cooperative Agreement funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, and neither Nye County
nor any of its contractors or subcontractors nor the U.S. Department of Energy, nor any person
acting on behalf of either, assumes any liabilities with respect to the use of, or for damages
resulting from the use of, any information, apparatus, method, or process disclosed in this report.
Reference herein to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name,
trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement,
recommendation, or favoring by the U.S. Department of Energy or Nye County. The views and
opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the U.S.
Department of Energy.
to a Cooperative Agreement funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, and neither Nye County
nor any of its contractors or subcontractors nor the U.S. Department of Energy, nor any person
acting on behalf of either, assumes any liabilities with respect to the use of, or for damages
resulting from the use of, any information, apparatus, method, or process disclosed in this report.
Reference herein to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name,
trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement,
recommendation, or favoring by the U.S. Department of Energy or Nye County. The views and
opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the U.S.
Department of Energy.