Radioactive sediment tracer tests, Houston Ship Channel, Houston, Texas.

Abstract

Radioactive sediment tracer tests were conducted in the Houston Ship Channel to determine qualitatively the sediment movement in the channel. About 5 curies of the isotope gold 198 was thoroughly mixed with sediment samples from the channel, and the activated sediment was then deposited along the bottom at two locations. The results of tracing the deposits indicated that the activated sediment moved up-stream for several miles. Activity was recorded down-stream for only a short distance. Very little lateral movement out of the channel was detected.