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The Distribution and History of Nuclear Weapons Related Contamination in Sediments from the Ob River, Siberia as Determined by Isotopic Ratios of Plutonium Neptunium, and Cesium
Authors: Timothy C. Kenna; MASSACHUSETTS INST OF TECH CAMBRIDGE |
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Abstract:
This thesis addresses the sources and transport of nuclear weapons related contamination in the Ob River region. The atom ratios 240Pu/239Pu, 237Np/239Pu, and 137Cs/240Pu, contained in sediments from the region and measured by magnetic-sector ICP-MS, are used to distinguish between global fallout and contamination derived from local sources. Data presented in this study demonstrate that non-fallout contamination has been transported the full length of the tributaries draining the nuclear facilities, Mayak, Semipalitinsk, and Tomsk-7. In some cases, contamination originating from one or more of these facilities has been transported as far as the Ob delta. Linear transport rate estimates (km yr-1) indicate that contaminated sediments transit between source tributaries and the Ob delta rapidly (i.e. 0 to 1 yr.), suggesting that a catastrophic release of contamination at fuel reprocessing facilities would result in measurable levels of contamination in the delta within 1-2 years. Sequential extraction experiments indicate that the majority of plutonium and neptunium (80 to 90 percent) are not truly refractory and likely associate with redox sensitive sedimentary components. Only a minor fraction of contamination is associated with acid leachable or acid degestible sedimentary phases.
| Description: |
Doctoral dissertation |
| Pages: |
377 |
| Report Date: |
FEB 2002 |
| Contract Number: |
N00014-93-1-1139, N00014-1-95 |
| Report Number: |
A968504 |
Report Unavailable |
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