HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Nakayama, F. S. Articles by Jackson, R. D. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by Nakayama, F. S. Articles by Jackson, R. D. Agricola Articles by Nakayama, F. S. Articles by Jackson, R. D.

Diffusion of Tritiated Water in Soils¹

ABSTRACT

The apparent diffusion coefficient of tritiated water (D_THO) was measured in four soil materials and two sizes of glass beads at about 40% water content by volume, and in agar gel. The apparent tritiated water diffusion coefficient may include diffusion in the liquid, vapor, and possibly adsorbed phases. For Pachappa loam, D_THO was determined in detail as a function of water content. The D_THO was nearly constant for volumetric water contents of 10 to 40%. As the water content decreased below 10%, the D_THO rapidly increased to a maximum at about 4% water content, then rapidly decreased as the water content was further reduced. The maximum value of D_THO is 3.5 times greater than D_THO at 40% water content.

¹ Contribution from the Soil and Water Conservation Research Division, ARS, USDA.

² Research Chemist and Research Physicist, respectively, U. S. Water Conservation Laboratory, Tempe, Ariz.

Received for publication June 22, 1962. Accepted for publication October 27, 1962.