Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Simulation of soluble waste transport and buildup in surface waters using tracers

January 1, 1993

Soluble tracers can be used to simulate the transport and dispersion of soluble wastes that might have been introduced or are planned for introduction into surface waters. Measured tracer-response curves produced from the injection of a known quantity of soluble tracer can be used in conjunction with the superposition principle to simulate potential waste buildup in streams, lakes, and estuaries. Such information is particularly valuable to environmental and water-resource planners in determining the effects of proposed waste discharges.
The theory, techniques, analysis, and presentation of results of tracer-waste simulation tests in rivers, lakes, and estuaries are described. This manual builds on other manuals dealing with dye tracing by emphasizing the expanded use of data from time-of-travel studies.

Publication Year 1993
Title Simulation of soluble waste transport and buildup in surface waters using tracers
DOI 10.3133/twri03A20
Authors F. A. Kilpatrick
Publication Type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Series Title Techniques of Water-Resources Investigations
Series Number 03-A20
Index ID twri03A20
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse