Statistical theory for diffusion of radionuclides in ground and subterranean water

• Published in: Radiation physics and chemistry (Oxford, England : 1993) England : 1993), 2000-10, Vol.59 (4), p.361-375
• Main Authors: Yukhnovskii, I.R., Tokarchuk, M.V., Omelyan, I.P., Zhelem, R.I.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Chemistry; Chernobyl; Dielectrics; Diffusion; Diffusion coefficient; Distribution function; Equilibrium; Migration; Mobility; Nuclear engineering; Nuclear power generation; Nuclear reactor components; Nuclear reactors; Physics; Radiation; Radioactive materials; Radionuclide; Reinforced concrete; Shelters; Statistical mechanics; Walls; Waste storage
• ISSN: 0969-806X; 1879-0895
• DOI: 10.1016/S0969-806X(00)00278-4

The reinforced concrete structure built over the destroyed reactor of Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant is known as the object “Shelter”. It contains a lot of radioactive materials. The aqueous medium increases their mobility so that dangerous elements persistently penetrate into the environment with ground water. This situation and recent measurements are discussed. The egress is supposed to have a diffusion nature. A model for the diffusion treatment of the active elements migrating with ground and subterranean water is proposed. The necessary diffusion coefficients are derived from nonequilibrium statistical mechanics. These coefficients are expressed by singlet and pair equilibrium distribution functions to be evaluated for radioactive particles near a dielectric wall modeling the ground at various concentrations.