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McKay, Donald. "Front matter" Multimedia Environmental Models ...

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diffusivity, and some unknown layer thickness, into one parameter, k M. We then<br />

measure and correlate k M as a function of fluid conditions (e.g., wind speed) and<br />

seek advice from the turbulent transport theorists as to the best form of the correlation<br />

equations.<br />

In some diffusion situations, such as bottom sediments, the eddy diffusion may<br />

be induced by burrowing worms or creatures that “pump” water. This is termed<br />

bioturbation and is difficult to quantify. Its high variability and unpredictability is<br />

a source of delight to biologists and irritation to physical scientists.<br />

The study of turbulent diffusion in the atmosphere includes aspects such as the<br />

micrometeorology of diffusion near the ground as it influences evaporation of pesticides,<br />

the uptake of contaminants by foliage, and the dispersion of plumes from<br />

stacks, in which case the plume is treated by the Gaussian dispersion equations. In<br />

lakes, rivers, and oceans it is important to calculate concentrations near sewage and<br />

industrial outfalls and in intensively used regions such as harbors. In each case, a<br />

body of specialized knowledge and calculation methods has evolved.<br />

©2001 CRC Press LLC<br />

7.5 UNSTEADY-STATE DIFFUSION<br />

Those who dislike calculus, and especially partial differential equations, can skip<br />

this section, but the two concluding paragraphs should be noted.<br />

In certain circumstances, we are interested in the transient or unsteady-state<br />

situation, which exists when diffusion starts between two volumes that are brought<br />

into contact. This is shown conceptually in Figure 7.4, in which a “shutter” is<br />

removed, exposing a concentration discontinuity. The two regions proceed to mix<br />

and chemical diffuses, eventually achieving homogeneity. <strong>Environmental</strong>ly, this<br />

situation is encountered when a volume of fluid (e.g., water) moves to an interface<br />

and there contacts another phase (e.g., air) containing a solute with a different<br />

fugacity. Volatilization may then occur over a period of time.<br />

There are now three variables: concentration (C), position (y), and time (t). If<br />

we consider a volume of ADy, as shown in Figure 7.4, then the flux in is –BA dC/dy,<br />

and the flux out is –BA(dC/dy + Dyd 2 C/dy 2 ), while the accumulation is ADyDC in<br />

the time increment Dt. It follows that<br />

or as Dy and Dt tend to zero,<br />

–BA dC/dy + BA(dC/dy + Dyd 2 C/dy 2 ) = ADyDC/Dt<br />

Bd 2 C/dy 2 = dC/dt<br />

This is Fick’s second law. Solution of this partial differential equation requires two<br />

boundary conditions, usually initial concentrations at specified positions. A particularly<br />

useful solution is the “penetration” equation, which describes diffusion into<br />

a slab of fluid that is brought into contact with another slab of constant concentration<br />

C S. The boundary conditions are

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