Diagenetic models of dissolved species in the interstitial waters of compacting sediments

Abstract

A general one dimensional equation is derived that express the effects of diffusion, deposition, compaction, adsorption, and chemical reaction (radioactive decay) upon the depth distribution of a dissolved species in a compacting sediment. From the general equation, simpler expressions representing the situations of pure compaction, steady state diagenesis with and without compaction, and non-steady state diffusions are derived. Results indicate that the effects of adsorption (ion exchange) and compaction upon the depth distribution of a dissolved species are considerably more complex than previously recognized.