STORAGE, TRANSPORT MECHANICS, AND DISPERSAL PATTERNS OF TRACE ELEMENTS

拟议研究的主要目标是记录运输 汞和其他微量元素的机制、扩散模式和分布 Lahontan水库中的元素，这是由于采矿和研磨， 康斯托克地区。 调查是围绕发展 描述汞扩散的概念和数学模型。 卡森河/拉洪坦水库系统提供了绝佳的环境 由于汞的主要来源是已知的， 存在于分析可检测的水平，汞与 汞合金颗粒和其他颗粒物质都允许 污染物的运输变化很大。 模型将基于 收集地貌、沉积、水文和化学数据， 确定：（1）汞含量的空间和时间变化 Lahontan水库，（2）汞的垂直和横向分布， 储集层的底质;（3）汞与 （4）溶解通量 污染沉积物中的汞，以及（5） 溶解在水柱中的汞 一旦开发完成，这些模型将 用于评估汞在卡森河中的未来扩散和归宿 谷，此外，他们的适用性，以分散其他 可能有毒的微量元素 调查不仅会提供 现场补救所需的信息，但要了解 对生物学和流行病学至关重要的物理和化学环境 问题研究

The primary objective of the proposed study is to document the transport mechanics, dispersal patterns, and distribution of mercury and other trace elements in the Lahontan Reservoir that resulted from mining and milling of the Comstock area. The investigation is designed around the development of conceptual and mathematical models describing the dispersal of mercury. The Carson River/Lahontan Reservoir system provides an excellent setting for model development because the primary sources of mercury are known, it exists at analytically detectable levels, and mercury is associated with both amalgam particles and other particulate matter allowing the modes of contaminant transport to vary significantly. The models will be based on geomorphic, sedimentologic, hydrologic, and chemical data collected to determine: (1) spatial and temporal variations in mercury loading of Lahontan Reservoir, (2) the vertical and lateral distribution of mercury in the reservoir's bed materials, (3) the relations between mercury concentration, form, and sedimentary facies, (4) the flux of dissolved mercury from contaminated sediments, and (5) the chemical speciation of dissolved mercury in the water column. Once developed, the models will be used to assess the future dispersal and fate of mercury in the Carson River Valley and, in addition, their applicability to the dispersal of other potentially toxic trace elements. The investigation will not only supply information necessary for site remediation, but provide an understanding of the physical and chemical environment vital to biologic and epidemiologic studies.