STORAGE, TRANSPORT MECHANICS, AND DISPERSAL PATTERNS OF TRACE ELEMENTS

拟议研究的主要目标是记录运输情况 汞和其他痕量的力学、扩散模式和分布 拉洪滩水库采矿和选矿产生的元素 康斯托克地区。这项调查是围绕着 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一个极好的环境 对于模型开发，因为汞的主要来源是已知的，它 存在于分析可检测到的水平，汞与 汞齐颗粒和其他颗粒物质都允许 污染物的传输会有很大的不同。这些模型将基于 收集的地貌、沉积学、水文和化学数据 确定：(1)汞负荷的空间和时间变化 拉洪滩水库，(2)汞的垂直和横向分布 水库底质，(3)汞的关系 浓度、形态和沉积相；(4)溶解通量 来自受污染沉积物的汞，以及(5)化学形态 溶解在水柱中的汞。一旦开发出来，这些模型将被 用于评估汞在卡森河中的未来扩散和去向 此外，它们还适用于其他物种的扩散 潜在有毒的痕量元素。调查不仅会提供 站点补救所需的信息，但提供以下方面的了解 对生物和流行病学至关重要的物理和化学环境 学习。

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.