1
|
Yadav AG, Mohapatra PK, Valsala TP, Sathe DB, Bhatt RB. Highly efficient separation of Am(III) and Pu(IV) from lean feeds and soil using an extraction chromatographic resin containing a diglycolamide in an ionic liquid. J Chromatogr A 2023; 1707:464299. [PMID: 37597478 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2023.464299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023]
Abstract
A TODGA based extraction chromatographic resin containing an ionic liquid was used for the separation of actinide ions such as Am3+ and Pu4+ from samples such as lean effluents emanating from laboratory waste, environmental water as well as soil samples adjacent to a nuclear plant site. The methodology involved feed adjustment to 3 M HNO3 followed by conditioning of the column, loading, washing (3 M HNO3), and elution of the actinide ions. The elution of Am3+ was done using EDTA in a buffered medium (1 M guanidine carbonate) while that of Pu4+ was carried out using a mixture of 0.5 M oxalic acid and 0.5 M HNO3. The elution peaks were sharp with almost no tailing suggesting the efficiency of the separation method. The results obtained were compared with the literature results which suggested the high efficiency of the present method.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Akalesh G Yadav
- Advanced Fuel Fabrication Facility, Nuclear Recycles Board, Tarapur, Maharashtra 401502, India; Homi Bhabha National Institute, Anushakti Nagar, Mumbai 400094, India
| | - Prasanta K Mohapatra
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Anushakti Nagar, Mumbai 400094, India; Radiochemistry Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai 400085, India.
| | - Thichur P Valsala
- Advanced Fuel Fabrication Facility, Nuclear Recycles Board, Tarapur, Maharashtra 401502, India
| | - Darshan B Sathe
- Advanced Fuel Fabrication Facility, Nuclear Recycles Board, Tarapur, Maharashtra 401502, India
| | - Raj B Bhatt
- Advanced Fuel Fabrication Facility, Nuclear Recycles Board, Tarapur, Maharashtra 401502, India
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
López-Lora M, Olszewski G, Chamizo E, Törnquist P, Pettersson H, Eriksson M. Plutonium Signatures in a Dated Sediment Core as a Tool to Reveal Nuclear Sources in the Baltic Sea. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:1959-1969. [PMID: 36690010 PMCID: PMC9910043 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c07437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Plutonium distribution was studied in an undisturbed sediment core sampled from the Tvären bay in the vicinity of the Studsvik nuclear facility in Sweden. The complete analysis, including minor isotopes, of the Pu isotope composition (238Pu, 239Pu, 240Pu, 241Pu, 242Pu, and 244Pu) allowed us to establish the Pu origin in this area of the Baltic Sea and to reconstruct the Studsvik aquatic release history. The results show highly enriched 239Pu, probably originating from the Swedish nuclear program in the 1960s and 1970s and the handling of high burn-up nuclear fuel in the later years. In addition, the 244Pu/239Pu atomic ratio for the global fallout period between 1958 and 1965 is suggested to be (7.94 ± 0.31)·10-5. In the bottom layer of the sediment, dated 1953-1957, we detected a higher average 244Pu/239Pu ratio of (1.51 ± 0.11)·10-4, indicating the possible impact of the first US thermonuclear tests (1952-1958).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mercedes López-Lora
- Department
of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences (HMV), Linköping University, 58183Linköping, Sweden
| | - Grzegorz Olszewski
- Department
of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences (HMV), Linköping University, 58183Linköping, Sweden
- Faculty
of Chemistry, Department of Environmental Chemistry and Radiochemistry,
Laboratory of Toxicology and Radiation Protection, University of Gdańsk, Wita Stwosza 63, 80-308Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Elena Chamizo
- Centro
Nacional de Aceleradores (CNA), Universidad de Sevilla, Junta de Andalucía,
Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Parque científico y tecnológico Cartuja, Thomas Alva Edison 7, 41092Sevilla, Spain
| | - Per Törnquist
- Department
of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences (HMV), Linköping University, 58183Linköping, Sweden
| | - Håkan Pettersson
- Department
of Medical Radiation Physics, and Department of Health, Medicine and
Caring Sciences, Linköping University, 58183Linköping, Sweden
| | - Mats Eriksson
- Department
of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences (HMV), Linköping University, 58183Linköping, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zhang L, Levy I, Vassileva E. Determination of uranium isotopes in marine sediments and seawaters by SF ICP-MS after rapid chemical separation using TK200 resin. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:44671-44683. [PMID: 36696061 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-25513-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
This work provided a novel analytical procedure for rapid and precise uranium isotopic determination in marine sediment and seawater, using a new type of extraction resin, TK200 resin, in combination with microwave digestion (for marine sediments), Fe(OH)3 co-precipitation (for seawater), and single collector sector field-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (SF ICP-MS) measurement. The removal ability of TK200 extraction chromatography for the interfering elements (IEs) Hg, Pb, Th, Pt, Tl, and the matrix rare earth elements (REEs) was carefully investigated. High decontamination factors (DFs) were obtained for IEs and REEs. Accurate quantification of uranium isotope ratios was accomplished based on a "double-cycle" ICP-MS measurement method. The analytical method was optimized and validated with isotopic standards (IRMM-187), matrix-containing certified reference marine sediments (IAEA-384, IAEA-385, and IAEA-412), and seawater reference material (IAEA-443). A stable chemical recovery of ~ 90% was obtained for both types of marine environmental samples, and the method showed great efficiency with a total analytical time of less than 6 h. The proposed procedure was validated following ISO/IEC 17025 guidelines. The important factors affecting the isotope ratio results (instrument background, procedural blank, memory effects, peak tailing, mass discrimination, dead time, and hydride interferences) were considered in the estimation of combined uncertainties. This work provides an alternative way for the determination of trace uranium isotope ratios and can be applied in the emergency monitoring of nuclear accidents and marine environmental analysis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ling Zhang
- International Atomic Energy Agency, Marine Environment Laboratories, 4 Quai Antoine 1er, 98000, Monaco, Principality of Monaco.
- Institute of Materials, China Academy of Engineering Physics, Mianyang, 621900, China.
| | - Isabelle Levy
- International Atomic Energy Agency, Marine Environment Laboratories, 4 Quai Antoine 1er, 98000, Monaco, Principality of Monaco
| | - Emilia Vassileva
- International Atomic Energy Agency, Marine Environment Laboratories, 4 Quai Antoine 1er, 98000, Monaco, Principality of Monaco
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Morereau A, Jaegler H, Hain K, Steier P, Golser R, Beaumais A, Lepage H, Eyrolle F, Grosbois C, Cazala C, Gourgiotis A. Deciphering sources of U contamination using isotope ratio signatures in the Loire River sediments: Exploring the relevance of 233U/ 236U and stable Pb isotope ratios. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 307:135658. [PMID: 35835235 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.135658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
A broad range of contaminants has been recorded in sediments of the Loire River over the last century. Among a variety of anthropogenic activities of this nuclearized watershed, extraction of uranium and associated activities during more than 50 years as well as operation of several nuclear power plants led to industrial discharges, which could persist for decades in sedimentary archives of the Loire River. Highlighting and identifying the origin of radionuclides that transited during the last decades and were recorded in the sediments is challenging due to i) the low concentrations which are often close or below the detection limits of routine environmental surveys and ii) the mixing of different sources. The determination of the sources of anthropogenic radioactivity was performed using multi-isotopic fingerprints (236U/238U, 206Pb/207Pb and 208Pb/207Pb) and the newly developed 233U/236U tracer. For the first time 233U/236U data in a well-dated river sediment core in the French river Loire are reported here. Results highlight potential sources of contamination among which a clear signature of anthropogenic inputs related to two accidents of a former NUGG NPP that occurred in 1969 and 1980. The 233U and 236U isotopes were measured by recent high performance analytical methods due to their ultra-trace levels in the samples and show a negligible radiological impact on health and on the environment. The determination of mining activities by the use of stable Pb isotopes is still challenging probably owing to the limited dissemination of the Pb-bearing material marked by the U-ore signature downstream to the former U mines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amandine Morereau
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), PSE-ENV/SRTE/LRTA, SEDRE/LELI, BP 3, 13115, Saint-Paul-Lez-Durance, France
| | - Hugo Jaegler
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), PSE-ENV/SRTE/LRTA, SEDRE/LELI, BP 3, 13115, Saint-Paul-Lez-Durance, France
| | - Karin Hain
- Faculty of Physics, Isotope Physics, University of Vienna, Währinger Str. 17, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter Steier
- Faculty of Physics, Isotope Physics, University of Vienna, Währinger Str. 17, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Robin Golser
- Faculty of Physics, Isotope Physics, University of Vienna, Währinger Str. 17, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Aurélien Beaumais
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), PSE-ENV/SRTE/LRTA, SEDRE/LELI, BP 3, 13115, Saint-Paul-Lez-Durance, France
| | - Hugo Lepage
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), PSE-ENV/SRTE/LRTA, SEDRE/LELI, BP 3, 13115, Saint-Paul-Lez-Durance, France
| | - Frédérique Eyrolle
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), PSE-ENV/SRTE/LRTA, SEDRE/LELI, BP 3, 13115, Saint-Paul-Lez-Durance, France
| | - Cécile Grosbois
- Université de Tours, EA 6293 Géohydrosystèmes Continentaux (GéHCO), Parc de Grandmont, 37200, Tours, Cedex, France
| | - Charlotte Cazala
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), PSE-ENV/SRTE/LRTA, SEDRE/LELI, BP 3, 13115, Saint-Paul-Lez-Durance, France
| | - Alkiviadis Gourgiotis
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), PSE-ENV/SRTE/LRTA, SEDRE/LELI, BP 3, 13115, Saint-Paul-Lez-Durance, France.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zhang H, Hou X, Qiao J, Lin J. Determination of 241Am in Environmental Samples: A Review. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27144536. [PMID: 35889408 PMCID: PMC9315525 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27144536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The determination of 241Am in the environment is of importance in monitoring its release and assessing its environmental impact and radiological risk. This paper aims to give an overview about the recent developments and the state-of-art analytical methods for 241Am determination in environmental samples. Thorough discussions are given in this paper covering a wide range of aspects, including sample pre-treatment and pre-concentration methods, chemical separation techniques, source preparation, radiometric and mass spectrometric measurement techniques, speciation analyses, and tracer applications. The paper focuses on some hyphenated separation methods based on different chromatographic resins, which have been developed to achieve high analytical efficiency and sample throughput for the determination of 241Am. The performances of different radiometric and mass spectrometric measurement techniques for 241Am are evaluated and compared. Tracer applications of 241Am in the environment, including speciation analyses of 241Am, and applications in nuclear forensics are also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haitao Zhang
- Northwest Institute of Nuclear Technology, Xi’an 710024, China; (H.Z.); (J.L.)
| | - Xiaolin Hou
- Department of Environmental and Resource Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, DTU Risø Campus, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark;
| | - Jixin Qiao
- Department of Environmental and Resource Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, DTU Risø Campus, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark;
- Correspondence:
| | - Jianfeng Lin
- Northwest Institute of Nuclear Technology, Xi’an 710024, China; (H.Z.); (J.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
First study on 236U in environmental samples from Bangladesh by ICP-MS/MS prior to the operation of its first nuclear power plant. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-021-07931-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
|
7
|
Pant AD, Ruhela R, Limje C, Anil Kumar S, Singh AK, Kumar SA, Sugandhi S, Kain V, Tomar BS. Evaluation of BenzoDODA grafted polymeric resin for rapid and reliable assaying of plutonium in sediment samples. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2021; 234:106620. [PMID: 33984799 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2021.106620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2021] [Revised: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The paper reports a new rapid radioanalytical procedure for the determination of plutonium (Pu) in sediments by solid phase extraction chromatography (SPEC) using Bis-(2-ethylhexyl) carbamoyl methoxy phenoxy-bis-(2-ethylhexyl) grafted resin, abbreviated as Benzodioxodiamide (BenzoDODA) grafted resin. The resin was synthesized and evaluated for its sorption behaviour towards Pu in batch and column mode to determine its efficacy for selective recovery of Pu from sediment samples. The analytical procedure was based on the radiochemical separation of samples by acid digestion, followed by preconcentration of actinides by co-precipitation with Fe(OH)3 and finally selective recovery of Pu by SPEC using a column filled with BenzoDODA grafted resin. Pu was then radiometrically assayed by preparing alpha disc sources with electro-deposition followed by alpha spectrometry. The method was further validated with IAEA reference materials. This method gives reliable and reproducible results for the activity concentration of Pu in sediment samples within 24 h.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amar D Pant
- Radiation Safety Systems Division, Bhabha Atomic Reseach Centre, Mumbai, 400085, India; Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, 400094, India
| | - R Ruhela
- Materials Processing and Corrosion Engineering Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, 400085, India; Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, 400094, India.
| | - C Limje
- Materials Processing and Corrosion Engineering Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, 400085, India
| | - S Anil Kumar
- Radiation Safety Systems Division, Bhabha Atomic Reseach Centre, Mumbai, 400085, India
| | - A K Singh
- Materials Processing and Corrosion Engineering Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, 400085, India
| | - Suja A Kumar
- Radiation Safety Systems Division, Bhabha Atomic Reseach Centre, Mumbai, 400085, India
| | - S Sugandhi
- Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, 400085, India
| | - V Kain
- Materials Processing and Corrosion Engineering Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, 400085, India
| | - B S Tomar
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, 400094, India
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
233U/ 236U signature allows to distinguish environmental emissions of civil nuclear industry from weapons fallout. Nat Commun 2020; 11:1275. [PMID: 32152279 PMCID: PMC7062840 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-15008-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Isotopic ratios of radioactive releases into the environment are useful signatures for contamination source assessment. Uranium is known to behave conservatively in sea water so that a ratio of uranium trace isotopes may serve as a superior oceanographic tracer. Here we present data on the atomic [Formula: see text]U/[Formula: see text]U ratio analyzed in representative environmental samples finding ratios of (0.1-3.7)[Formula: see text]10[Formula: see text]. The ratios detected in compartments of the environment affected by releases of nuclear power production or by weapons fallout differ by one order of magnitude. Significant amounts of [Formula: see text]U were only released in nuclear weapons fallout, either produced by fast neutron reactions or directly by [Formula: see text]U-fueled devices. This makes the [Formula: see text]U/[Formula: see text]U ratio a promising new fingerprint for radioactive emissions. Our findings indicate a higher release of [Formula: see text]U by nuclear weapons tests before the maximum of global fallout in 1963, setting constraints on the design of the nuclear weapons employed.
Collapse
|
9
|
Shao Y, Yang G, Xu D, Yamada M, Tazoe H, Luo M, Cheng H, Yang K, Ma L. First report on global fallout 236U and uranium atom ratios in soils from Hunan Province, China. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2019; 197:1-8. [PMID: 30463028 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2018.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2018] [Revised: 11/13/2018] [Accepted: 11/13/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
More nuclear power plants continue to be built in China. Due to its long half-life, radiotoxicity and potential application as an environmental tracer, 236U is one of the most important artificial radionuclides deserving more study since activity data are important for risk assessment. However, the ultra-trace activity of 236U and its dilution by natural uranium isotopes make it difficult to distinguish its sources and there are only limited global fallout 236U data for present in Chinese environmental samples. In order to understand the background levels for uranium isotopes, especially 236U, and clarify their sources, inductively coupled plasma tandem mass spectrometry (ICP-MS/MS) was applied to analyze uranium isotopes in 48 soil samples from Hunan Province, China. The 234U, 235U, 238U and 236U concentrations were measured as 9.91-33.7, 0.312-1.43, 6.63-28.7 Bq kg-1 and (1.61-21.3) × 107 atoms g-1, while, the 236U/238U, 234U/238U and 235U/238U atom ratios were (0.470-4.91) × 10-8, (5.10-9.31) × 10-5, and (7.11-7.82) × 10-3, respectively. The uranium isotopic fractionation may be due to irrigation of the agricultural lands where the samples were collected. Considering the facts that neither previous nuclear tests nor nuclear accidents had occurred in Hunan Province and the present 236U/238U atom ratios were included in the range of global fallout values in other areas, it may be concluded that 236U in soils from Hunan Province is mainly from global fallout. To the best of the authors' knowledge, the presence of global fallout 236U in soil samples from China has been confirmed for the first time, and these values may be useful as background data for risk assessment in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yang Shao
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Radiographic Techniques and Equipment, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; Department of Radiation Chemistry, Institute of Radiation Emergency Medicine, Hirosaki University, 66-1 Hon-cho, Hirosaki, Aomori, 036-8564, Japan; School of Nuclear Science and Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Guosheng Yang
- Department of Radiation Chemistry, Institute of Radiation Emergency Medicine, Hirosaki University, 66-1 Hon-cho, Hirosaki, Aomori, 036-8564, Japan
| | - Diandou Xu
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Radiographic Techniques and Equipment, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Masatoshi Yamada
- Department of Radiation Chemistry, Institute of Radiation Emergency Medicine, Hirosaki University, 66-1 Hon-cho, Hirosaki, Aomori, 036-8564, Japan.
| | - Hirofumi Tazoe
- Department of Radiation Chemistry, Institute of Radiation Emergency Medicine, Hirosaki University, 66-1 Hon-cho, Hirosaki, Aomori, 036-8564, Japan
| | - Min Luo
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Radiographic Techniques and Equipment, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Hangxin Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Geochemical Cycling of Carbon and Mercury in the Earth's Critical Zone, Institute of Geophysical and Geochemical Exploration, Chinese Academy of Geological Science, Langfang, 065000, China
| | - Ke Yang
- Key Laboratory of Geochemical Cycling of Carbon and Mercury in the Earth's Critical Zone, Institute of Geophysical and Geochemical Exploration, Chinese Academy of Geological Science, Langfang, 065000, China
| | - Lingling Ma
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Radiographic Techniques and Equipment, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Salmani-Ghabeshi S, Chamizo E, Christl M, Miró C, Pinilla-Gil E, Cereceda-Balic F. Presence of 236U and 239,240Pu in soils from Southern Hemisphere. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2018; 192:478-484. [PMID: 30096706 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2018.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2018] [Revised: 08/01/2018] [Accepted: 08/05/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
236U, 239Pu and 240Pu are present in soils mainly as a result of the local- and global-fallout from the atmospheric nuclear weapons tests carried out mainly in the 1950's and 1960's. In this work we provide new data on the presence of 236U and 239,240Pu in surface soils (i.e. up to 5 cm depth) from Chile and Africa. The results were obtained by low-energy Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS). In the case of the Chilean samples, 236U/239Pu atom ratios show a high variability and are in general higher than the reported value for the global fallout in the Northern Hemisphere, ranging from 0.2 to 1.5. The 236U atomic concentrations range from 3.5 × 106 to 9.1 × 106 atoms/g, and are at least two orders of magnitude lower than the reported values in the Northern Hemisphere. The measured 240Pu/239Pu atom ratio in soils from South-Africa and Mozambique are of about 0.17, in agreement with the expected one for global-fallout at those coordinates. To best knowledge of the authors the present work is the first publication on 236U concentrations and 236U/239Pu atom ratios in soils from South-America and Africa.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Salmani-Ghabeshi
- Departamento de Química Analítica e IACYS, Universidad de Extremadura Avda. de Elvas, s/n, E-06006 Badajoz, Spain
| | - E Chamizo
- Centro Nacional de Aceleradores, Avda. Thomas Alba Edison, 7, 41092 Sevilla, Spain
| | - M Christl
- Laboratory of Ion Beam Physics, ETH Zurich, Otto Stern Weg 5, CH-8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - C Miró
- Departamento de Física Aplicada, Avda. de la Universidad s/n E-10071 Cáceres, Spain.
| | - E Pinilla-Gil
- Departamento de Química Analítica e IACYS, Universidad de Extremadura Avda. de Elvas, s/n, E-06006 Badajoz, Spain
| | - F Cereceda-Balic
- Laboratorio de Química Ambiental, Centro de Tecnologías Ambientales (CETAM), Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María, Casilla 110-V, Valparaíso, Chile
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Development and application of mass spectrometric techniques for ultra-trace determination of 236U in environmental samples-A review. Anal Chim Acta 2017; 995:1-20. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2017.09.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2017] [Revised: 08/23/2017] [Accepted: 09/19/2017] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
|
12
|
Gückel K, Shinonaga T, Christl M, Tschiersch J. Scavenged 239Pu, 240Pu, and 241Am from snowfalls in the atmosphere settling on Mt. Zugspitze in 2014, 2015 and 2016. Sci Rep 2017; 7:11848. [PMID: 28928452 PMCID: PMC5605513 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-12079-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2017] [Accepted: 09/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Concentrations of 239Pu, 240Pu, and 241Am, and atomic ratio of 240Pu/239Pu in freshly fallen snow on Mt. Zugspitze collected in 2014, 2015 and 2016 were determined by accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS). For the sub-femtogram (10-15 g) - level of Pu and Am analysis, a chemical separation procedure combined with AMS was improved and an excellent overall efficiency of about 10-4 was achieved. The concentration of 239Pu ranges from 75 ± 13 ag/kg to 2823 ± 84 ag/kg, of 240Pu from 20.6 ± 5.2 to 601 ± 21 ag/kg, and of 241Am was found in the range of 16.7 ± 5.0-218.8 ± 8.9 ag/kg. Atomic ratios of 240Pu/239Pu for most samples are comparable to the fallout in middle Europe. One exceptional sample shows a higher Pu concentration. High airborne dust concentration, wind directions, high Cs concentrations and the activity ratio of 239+240Pu/137Cs lead to the conclusion that the sample was influenced by Pu in Saharan dust transported to Mt. Zugspitze.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Gückel
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Institute of Radiation Protection, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany.
| | - Taeko Shinonaga
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Institute of Radiation Protection, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
- Department of Radiation Chemistry, Institute of Radiation Emergency Medicine, Hirosaki University, Aomori, 036-8564, Japan
| | - Marcus Christl
- Laboratory of Ion Beam Physics, ETH Zurich, 8093, Zurich, TS, Switzerland
| | - Jochen Tschiersch
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Institute of Radiation Protection, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Eigl R, Steier P, Sakata K, Sakaguchi A. Vertical distribution of 236U in the North Pacific Ocean. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2017; 169-170:70-78. [PMID: 28088697 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2016.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2016] [Accepted: 12/19/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The first extensive study on 236U in the North Pacific Ocean has been conducted. The vertical distribution of 236U/238U isotopic ratios and the 236U concentrations were analysed on seven depth profiles, and large variations with depth were found. The range of 236U/238U isotopic ratios was from (0.09 ± 0.03) × 10-10 to (14.1 ± 2.2) × 10-10, which corresponds to 236U concentrations of (0.69 ± 0.24) × 105 atoms/kg and (119 ± 21) × 105 atoms/kg, respectively. The variations in 236U concentrations could mainly be attributed to the different water masses in the North Pacific Ocean and their formation processes. Uranium-236 inventories on the water column of each sampling station were calculated and varied between (3.89 ± 0.08) × 1012 atoms/m2 and (7.03 ± 0.50) × 1012 atoms/m2, which is lower than in former studies on comparable latitudes in the North Atlantic Ocean and the Sea of Japan. The low inventories of 236U found for the North Pacific Ocean in this study can be explained by the lack of additional input sources of artificial radionuclides, apart from global and regional/local fallout. This study expands the use of 236U as oceanographic circulation tracer to yet another ocean basin and shows that this isotope can be used for tracing circulation patterns of water masses in the Pacific Ocean.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Eigl
- Department of Earth and Planetary Systems Science, Graduate School of Science, Hiroshima University, 1-3-1 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima, Hiroshima 739-8526, Japan.
| | - P Steier
- VERA-Laboratory, Faculty of Physics - Isotope Research, University of Vienna, Währinger Str. 17, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - K Sakata
- Department of Earth and Planetary Systems Science, Graduate School of Science, Hiroshima University, 1-3-1 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima, Hiroshima 739-8526, Japan
| | - A Sakaguchi
- Center for Research in Isotopes and Environmental Dynamics, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8577, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Pittauer D, Tims SG, Froehlich MB, Fifield LK, Wallner A, McNeil SD, Fischer HW. Continuous transport of Pacific-derived anthropogenic radionuclides towards the Indian Ocean. Sci Rep 2017; 7:44679. [PMID: 28304374 PMCID: PMC5356341 DOI: 10.1038/srep44679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2016] [Accepted: 02/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Unusually high concentrations of americium and plutonium have been observed in a sediment core collected from the eastern Lombok Basin between Sumba and Sumbawa Islands in the Indonesian Archipelago. Gamma spectrometry and accelerator mass spectrometry data together with radiometric dating of the core provide a high-resolution record of ongoing deposition of anthropogenic radionuclides. A plutonium signature characteristic of the Pacific Proving Grounds (PPG) dominates in the first two decades after the start of the high yield atmospheric tests in 1950's. Approximately 40-70% of plutonium at this site in the post 1970 period originates from the PPG. This sediment record of transuranic isotopes deposition over the last 55 years provides evidence for the continuous long-distance transport of particle-reactive radionuclides from the Pacific Ocean towards the Indian Ocean.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Pittauer
- University of Bremen, MARUM - Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, Bremen, 28359, Germany.,University of Bremen, Institute of Environmental Physics, Bremen, 28359, Germany
| | - Stephen G Tims
- Australian National University, Department of Nuclear Physics, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Michaela B Froehlich
- Australian National University, Department of Nuclear Physics, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - L Keith Fifield
- Australian National University, Department of Nuclear Physics, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Anton Wallner
- Australian National University, Department of Nuclear Physics, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Steven D McNeil
- Australian National University, Department of Nuclear Physics, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Helmut W Fischer
- University of Bremen, Institute of Environmental Physics, Bremen, 28359, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Yang G, Tazoe H, Yamada M. Determination of 236 U in environmental samples by single extraction chromatography coupled to triple-quadrupole inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Anal Chim Acta 2016; 944:44-50. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2016.09.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2016] [Revised: 09/08/2016] [Accepted: 09/23/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
|
16
|
Eigl R, Steier P, Winkler SR, Sakata K, Sakaguchi A. First study on 236U in the Northeast Pacific Ocean using a new target preparation procedure for AMS measurements. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2016; 162-163:244-250. [PMID: 27289064 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2016.05.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2016] [Revised: 05/19/2016] [Accepted: 05/23/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
We succeeded in obtaining the depth profile of 236U for a sampling station in the Northeast Pacific Ocean using only one litre of seawater sample from each depth. For this purpose, a new procedure was developed that allowed for the preparation of accelerator mass spectrometry targets for trace uranium using only 100 μg of iron carrier material. The 236U concentrations in water samples from the Northeast Pacific Ocean showed large variations from (9.26 ± 0.42) × 106 atoms/kg at 60 m depth to (0.08 ± 0.02) × 106 atoms/kg at a depth of 3000 m. The high 236U concentrations in surface water reflect the input of 236U by global and local fallout from nuclear weapons tests. The low 236U concentrations in seawater from 1500 m and below are an indicator for the low vertical diffusion of surface water to deeper layers in the North Pacific Ocean. The total inventory of 236U on the water column was (8.35 ± 0.23) × 1012 atoms/m2, which is lower compared to those of other ocean regions solely affected by global fallout on comparable latitudes. This study represents the first dataset for 236U in the Pacific Ocean and shows the possibility of downsizing sample volumes which may help in future applications of 236U as tracer for large ocean areas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Eigl
- Department of Earth and Planetary Systems Science, Graduate School of Science, Hiroshima University, 1-3-1 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima, 739-8526, Japan.
| | - P Steier
- VERA-Laboratory, Faculty of Physics - Isotope Research, University of Vienna, Währinger Str. 17, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - S R Winkler
- VERA-Laboratory, Faculty of Physics - Isotope Research, University of Vienna, Währinger Str. 17, 1090, Vienna, Austria; iThembaLABS (Gauteng), National Research Foundation, Private Bag 11, WITS 2050, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - K Sakata
- Department of Earth and Planetary Systems Science, Graduate School of Science, Hiroshima University, 1-3-1 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima, 739-8526, Japan
| | - A Sakaguchi
- Center for Research in Isotopes and Environmental Dynamics, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8577, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Froehlich MB, Steier P, Wallner G, Fifield LK. European roe deer antlers as an environmental archive for fallout (236)U and (239)Pu. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2016; 151 Pt 3:587-592. [PMID: 26119579 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2015.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2015] [Revised: 06/04/2015] [Accepted: 06/09/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Anthropogenic (236)U and (239)Pu were measured in European roe deer antlers hunted between 1955 and 1977 which covers and extends beyond the period of intensive nuclear weapons testing (1954-1962). The antlers were hunting trophies, and hence the hunting area, the year of shooting and the approximate age of each animal is given. Uranium and plutonium are known to deposit in skeletal tissue. Since antler histology is similar to bone, both elements were expected in antlers. Furthermore, roe deer shed their antlers annually, and hence antlers may provide a time-resolved environmental archive for fallout radionuclides. The radiochemical procedure is based on a Pu separation step by anion exchange (Dowex 1 × 8) and a subsequent U purification by extraction chromatography using UTEVA(®). The samples were measured by Accelerator Mass Spectrometry at the VERA facility (University of Vienna). In addition to the (236)U and (239)Pu concentrations, the (240)Pu/(239)Pu isotopic ratios were determined with a mean value of 0.172 ± 0.023 which is in agreement with the ratio of global fallout (∼0.18). Rather high (236)U/(238)U ratios of the order of 10(-6) were observed. These measured ratios, where the (236)U arises only from global fallout, have implications for the use of the (236)U/(238)U ratio as a fingerprint for nuclear accidents or releases from nuclear facilities. Our investigations have shown the potential to use antlers as a temporally resolved archive for the uptake of actinides from the environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M B Froehlich
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, University of Vienna, Althanstraße 14, A-1090 Vienna, Austria; Department of Nuclear Physics, Australian National University, Building 57, Garran Road, ACT 2601, Australia.
| | - P Steier
- VERA Institute, Faculty of Physics, Isotope Research, University of Vienna, Währinger Straße 17, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - G Wallner
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, University of Vienna, Althanstraße 14, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - L K Fifield
- Department of Nuclear Physics, Australian National University, Building 57, Garran Road, ACT 2601, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Srncik M, Tims SG, De Cesare M, Fifield LK. First measurements of (236)U concentrations and (236)U/(239)Pu isotopic ratios in a Southern Hemisphere soil far from nuclear test or reactor sites. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2014; 132:108-114. [PMID: 24631872 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2014.02.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2013] [Revised: 02/24/2014] [Accepted: 02/24/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The variation of the (236)U and (239)Pu concentrations as a function of depth has been studied in a soil profile at a site in the Southern Hemisphere well removed from nuclear weapon test sites. Total inventories of (236)U and (239)Pu as well as the (236)U/(239)Pu isotopic ratio were derived. For this investigation a soil core from an undisturbed forest area in the Herbert River catchment (17°30' - 19°S) which is located in north-eastern Queensland (Australia) was chosen. The chemical separation of U and Pu was carried out with a double column which has the advantage of the extraction of both elements from a relatively large soil sample (∼20 g) within a day. The samples were measured by Accelerator Mass Spectrometry using the 14UD pelletron accelerator at the Australian National University. The highest atom concentrations of both (236)U and (239)Pu were found at a depth of 2-3 cm. The (236)U/(239)Pu isotopic ratio in fallout at this site, as deduced from the ratio of the (236)U and (239)Pu inventories, is 0.085 ± 0.003 which is clearly lower than the Northern Hemisphere value of ∼0.2. The (236)U inventory of (8.4 ± 0.3) × 10(11) at/m(2) was more than an order of magnitude lower than values reported for the Northern Hemisphere. The (239)Pu activity concentrations are in excellent agreement with a previous study and the (239+240)Pu inventory was (13.85 ± 0.29) Bq/m(2). The weighted mean (240)Pu/(239)Pu isotopic ratio of 0.142 ± 0.005 is slightly lower than the value for global fallout, but our results are consistent with the average ratio of 0.173 ± 0.027 for the southern equatorial region (0-30°S).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Srncik
- Department of Nuclear Physics, Research School of Physics and Engineering, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia.
| | - S G Tims
- Department of Nuclear Physics, Research School of Physics and Engineering, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia
| | - M De Cesare
- Department of Nuclear Physics, Research School of Physics and Engineering, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia
| | - L K Fifield
- Department of Nuclear Physics, Research School of Physics and Engineering, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Wendel CC, Oughton DH, Lind OC, Skipperud L, Fifield LK, Isaksson E, Tims SG, Salbu B. Chronology of Pu isotopes and 236U in an Arctic ice core. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2013; 461-462:734-741. [PMID: 23770554 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2013.05.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2013] [Revised: 05/16/2013] [Accepted: 05/18/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
In the present work, state of the art isotopic fingerprinting techniques are applied to an Arctic ice core in order to quantify deposition of U and Pu, and to identify possible tropospheric transport of debris from former Soviet Union test sites Semipalatinsk (Central Asia) and Novaya Zemlya (Arctic Ocean). An ice core chronology of (236)U, (239)Pu, and (240)Pu concentrations, and atom ratios, measured by accelerator mass spectrometry in a 28.6m deep ice core from the Austfonna glacier at Nordaustlandet, Svalbard is presented. The ice core chronology corresponds to the period 1949 to 1999. The main sources of Pu and (236)U contamination in the Arctic were the atmospheric nuclear detonations in the period 1945 to 1980, as global fallout, and tropospheric fallout from the former Soviet Union test sites Novaya Zemlya and Semipalatinsk. Activity concentrations of (239+240)Pu ranged from 0.008 to 0.254 mBq cm(-2) and (236)U from 0.0039 to 0.053 μBq cm(-2). Concentrations varied in concordance with (137)Cs concentrations in the same ice core. In contrast to previous published results, the concentrations of Pu and (236)U were found to be higher at depths corresponding to the pre-moratorium period (1949 to 1959) than to the post-moratorium period (1961 and 1962). The (240)Pu/(239)Pu ratio ranged from 0.15 to 0.19, and (236)U/(239)Pu ranged from 0.18 to 1.4. The Pu atom ratios ranged within the limits of global fallout in the most intensive period of nuclear atmospheric testing (1952 to 1962). To the best knowledge of the authors the present work is the first publication on biogeochemical cycles with respect to (236)U concentrations and (236)U/(239)Pu atom ratios in the Arctic and in ice cores.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C C Wendel
- Isotope Laboratory, Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Agricultural University of Norway, P.O. Box 5003, N-1432 Aas, Norway.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Quinto F, Hrnecek E, Krachler M, Shotyk W, Steier P, Winkler SR. Measurements of ²³⁶U in ancient and modern peat samples and implications for postdepositional migration of fallout radionuclides. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2013; 47:5243-5250. [PMID: 23614536 DOI: 10.1021/es400026m] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
(236)U was analyzed in an ombrotrophic peat core representing the last 80 years of atmospheric deposition and a minerotrophic peat sample from the last interglacial period. The determination of (236)U at levels of 10(7) atoms/g was possible by using ultraclean laboratory procedures and accelerator mass spectrometry. The vertical profile of the (236)U/(238)U isotopic ratio along the ombrotrophic peat core represents the first observation of the (236)U bomb peak in a terrestrial environment. A constant level of anthropogenic (236)U with an average (236)U/(238)U isotopic ratio of (1.24 ± 0.08) × 10(-6) in the top layers of the core was observed. Comparing the abundances of the global fallout derived (236)U and (239)Pu along the peat core, the post depositional migration of plutonium clearly exceeds that of uranium. However, the cumulative (236)U/(239)Pu ratio of 0.62 ± 0.31 is in agreement with previous studies on the global fallout uranium and plutonium. In the interglacial peat samples a (236)U/(238)U isotopic ratio of (3.3 ± 0.7) × 10(-12) was detected; although this measurement is an upper limit, it constitutes a significant step forward in the experimental determination of the natural (236)U abundance and represents a true background sample for the ombrotrophic peat core.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Quinto
- European Commission Joint Research Centre, Institute for Transuranium Elements, PO Box 2340, 76125 Karlsruhe, Germany.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Eigl R, Srncik M, Steier P, Wallner G. 236U/238U and 240Pu/239Pu isotopic ratios in small (2 L) sea and river water samples. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2013; 116:54-58. [PMID: 23103576 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2012.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2012] [Revised: 09/26/2012] [Accepted: 09/30/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) and alpha spectrometry were used to determine uranium ((236)U, (238)U, (234)U) and plutonium isotopes ((239)Pu, (240)Pu) in sea and river water samples. Plutonium was separated by Dowex(®) 1 × 8 resin and UTEVA(®) resin was used for uranium purification. The measured (236)U/(238)U isotopic ratios for surface water from the Atlantic Ocean, the Pacific Ocean and the Black Sea were in the order of 10(-9), while values for river water were in the order of 10(-8). These contaminations may be attributed to global fallout. A sample of the reference material IAEA-443, collected from the Irish Sea, showed, in accordance to the reference value, a ratio that was 10(3) times higher due to effluents from the reprocessing plant at Sellafield. These results underline the good suitability of (236)U/(238)U as a tracer for hydrology and oceanography, and show that relatively small water samples are sufficient for the determination of (236)U by AMS, which is not the case for plutonium with present techniques. The plutonium concentrations in our water samples could only be measured with large uncertainties and were in the order of 10(-3) mBq/L (with the exception of the Irish Sea sample).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Eigl
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, University of Vienna, Währinger Strasse 42, A-1090 Vienna, Austria.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Steier P, Hrnecek E, Priller A, Quinto F, Srncik M, Wallner A, Wallner G, Winkler S. AMS of the Minor Plutonium Isotopes. NUCLEAR INSTRUMENTS & METHODS IN PHYSICS RESEARCH. SECTION B, BEAM INTERACTIONS WITH MATERIALS AND ATOMS 2013; 294:160-164. [PMID: 23565016 PMCID: PMC3617651 DOI: 10.1016/j.nimb.2012.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2011] [Revised: 06/25/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
VERA, the Vienna Environmental Research Accelerator, is especially equipped for the measurement of actinides, and performs a growing number of measurements on environmental samples. While AMS is not the optimum method for each particular plutonium isotope, the possibility to measure 239Pu, 240Pu, 241Pu, 242Pu and 244Pu on the same AMS sputter target is a great simplification. We have obtained a first result on the global fallout value of 244Pu/239Pu = (5.7 ± 1.0) × 10-5 based on soil samples from Salzburg prefecture, Austria. Furthermore, we suggest using the 242Pu/240Pu ratio as an estimate of the initial 241Pu/239Pu ratio, which allows dating of the time of irradiation based solely on Pu isotopes. We have checked the validity of this estimate using literature data, simulations, and environmental samples from soil from the Salzburg prefecture (Austria), from the shut down Garigliano Nuclear Power Plant (Sessa Aurunca, Italy) and from the Irish Sea near the Sellafield nuclear facility. The maximum deviation of the estimated dates from the expected ages is 6 years, while relative dating of material from the same source seems to be possible with a precision of less than 2 years. Additional information carried by the minor plutonium isotopes may allow further improvements of the precision of the method.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P. Steier
- VERA Laboratory, Faculty of Physics, University of Vienna, Währinger Straße 17, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - E. Hrnecek
- EC Joint Research Centre Institute for Transuranium Elements, P.O. Box 2340, 76125 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - A. Priller
- VERA Laboratory, Faculty of Physics, University of Vienna, Währinger Straße 17, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - F. Quinto
- EC Joint Research Centre Institute for Transuranium Elements, P.O. Box 2340, 76125 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - M. Srncik
- EC Joint Research Centre Institute for Transuranium Elements, P.O. Box 2340, 76125 Karlsruhe, Germany
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, University of Vienna, Währinger Straße 42, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - A. Wallner
- VERA Laboratory, Faculty of Physics, University of Vienna, Währinger Straße 17, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - G. Wallner
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, University of Vienna, Währinger Straße 42, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - S. Winkler
- VERA Laboratory, Faculty of Physics, University of Vienna, Währinger Straße 17, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|