Diffusion of Randon in Porous Media Saturated with Gels and Emulsions

The effective diffusion coefficient of radon was determined in polymer/silicate gels and clay suspension used as sealing materials in environmental protection. On the basis of the experimental findings, it was concluded that both materials drastically decrease the convective mass transport in porous media. Simultaneously, the effective diffusion coefficient was reduced significantly. Thus, the radon flux might be decreased by 5 to 6 orders of magnitude in porous systems originally having gas or low water saturation by injection of gel-forming materials or placement of clay suspensions. At high water saturation, however, the diffusion transport of radon can be slightly restricted in consolidated and unconsolidated porous media. The laboratory studies may firmly allow us to conclude that hydrogels and clay suspensions are prospective candidates in an integrated environmental technology to be used for restriction of radon migration in subsurface regions.