Source term identification of environmental radioactive Pu/U particles by their characterization with non-destructive spectrochemical analytical techniques

Characterization and source term assessments of radioactive particles from Marshall Islands using non-destructive analytical techniques

“…It can exist as particle-like structure, or it can be distributed in the Si/O -rich matrix. Methods which reveal three-dimensional structural information, such as XRF tomography, would be useful in studying this question [Wegrzynek et al, 2005].…”

“…The behavior of particulate radionuclides is dependent on several factors, including the physical, chemical and redox state of the environment, the characteristics of the particles (e.g., the chemical composition, crystallinity and particle size) and on the oxidative state of radionuclides contained in the particles [Salbu et al, 2004]. In order to extend our knowledge of the mobilization and weathering of radionuclides in the environment, we have developed a series of non-destructive analytical techniques to help for characterizing the nature, chemical composition and size of radioactive particles [Jernström et al, 2004;Eriksson et al, 2005].…”

“…The behavior of particulate radionuclides is dependent on several factors, including the physical, chemical and redox state of the environment, the characteristics of the particles (e.g., the chemical composition, crystallinity and particle size) and on the oxidative state of radionuclides contained in the particles [Salbu et al, 2004]. In order to extend our knowledge of the mobilization and weathering of radionuclides in the environment, we have developed a series of non-destructive analytical techniques to help for characterizing the nature, chemical composition and size of radioactive particles [Jernström et al, 2004;Eriksson et al, 2005].In the current study, six radioactive particles were separated from bulk soil samples collected from Runit Island on Enewetak Atoll (Hamilton et al, 2005) and characterized using scanning electron microscope equipped with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (SEM-EDX), synchrotron radiation based micro X-ray fluorescence (SR-µ-XRF) spectrometry, gamma spectrometry and secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS). A beta camera was also used to find the exact location of the particles separated on carbon base tape.…”

Speciation of radionuclides – analytical challenges within environmental impact and risk assessments

“…at Maralinga, Australia (Cooper et al, 1994). Furthermore, radioactive particles were released during the aircraft accidents involving nuclear weapons at Palomares (Spain, Espinosa et al, 1998) and Thule (Greenland, Eriksson et al, 2005). Part of the weapons material was released into the environment and UePu particles, both radionuclides being partly oxidised, have been observed at both sites (Lind et al, 2005;Lind, 2006).…”

Multi-technique characterization of a nuclearbomb particle from the Palomares accident

“…A similar type of accident occurred on 21 January 1968, when a US Air Force B-52 bomber crashed onto the sea ice of Bylot Sound, Thule, Greenland, dispersing radioactive materials over a few square kilometers of the ice. Radioactive particles, often referred to as ''hot'' particles, from the Thule area have been characterized in a number of publications (Moring et al, 2001;Eriksson, 2002;Lind et al, 2005;Eriksson et al, 2005). However, until now the number of publications in which individual particles from the Palomares area have been analyzed is scarce (García-Tenorio, 2005;Jiménez-Ramos et al, 2005, 2006.…”