Determination of variables in the prediction of strontium distribution coefficients for selected sediments

Idaho State University and the US Geological Survey, in cooperation with th e US Department of Energy, conducted a study to determine and evaluate stro ntium distribution coefficients (K(d)s) of subsurface materials at the Idah o National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory (INEEL). The K(d)s were determined to aid in assessing the variability of strontium K(d)s and thei r effects on chemical transport of strontium-90 in the Snake River Plain aq uifer system. Data from batch experiments done to determine strontium K(d)s of five sediment-infill samples and six standard reference material sample s were analyzed by using multiple linear regression analysis and the stepwi se variable-selection method in the statistical program, Statistical Produc t and Service Solutions, to derive an :ion of variables that can be used to predict factors that affect transport efficiency of groundwater strontium K(d)s of sediment-infill samples. The sediment-infill samples were from bas alt vesicles and fractures from a selected core at the INEEL; strontium K(d )s ranged from similar to 201 to 356 ml g(-1). The standard material sample s consisted of day minerals The US Geological Survey and Idaho State Univer sity, in and calcite. The statistical analyses of the batch experiment resu lts showed that the amount of strontium in the initial solution, the amount of manganese oxide in the sample material, and the amount of potassium in the initial solution are the mental Laboratory (INEEL), Idaho. The purpose of the most important variables in predicting strontium K(d)s of sediment-i nfill samples.