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The distribution coefficient of60Co in sediments from the Solway Firth, UK

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Abstract

The behaviour of60Co in sea water and sediments typical of the Solway Firth has been investigated. The distribution coefficient,K d, of60Co2+ in sediments was determined using the batch sorption method and theK d variation with aqueous phase composition, sediment type and pH has been studied. Adsorption of60Co by sediments was found to be highest in de-ionised water and lower in NaCl solution (31‰ salinity). Adsorption was lowest in natural sea water, where theK d range was 2,270 to 2,750. Variation ofK d with sediment grain size was observed. It was shown that60Co adsorption was strongly dependent on pH in de-ionised water, with less variation in NaCl solution. Variance of60CoK d values were lowest in sea water in the range pH 5–8 indicating a more conservative behaviour of60Co than previously recognised. Hence60Co dispersion will be predominantly govemed by tidal behaviour.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Westlakes Research Institute, Moor Row, CA24 3LN, Cumbria, UK

    P. McDonald

  2. School of Physics and Space Research, The University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, B15 2TT, Birmingham, UK

    K. Johnston

Authors
  1. P. McDonald
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  2. K. Johnston
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McDonald, P., Johnston, K. The distribution coefficient of60Co in sediments from the Solway Firth, UK. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 220, 9–13 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02035339

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02035339

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