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Updated: Mar 26, 2026
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Speciation and Bioavailability Measurements of Environmental Plutonium Using Diffusion in Thin Films
Published on: November 9, 2015
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Plutonium, 137Cs and uranium isotopes in Mongolian surface soils
K Hirose1, Y Kikawada1, Y Igarashi2
1Department of Material and Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Sophia University, 7-1 Kioi-cho, Ciyoda-Ku, Tokyo 102-8554, Japan.
Journal of Environmental Radioactivity
|February 3, 2016
Summary
This study measured plutonium and cesium in Mongolian soils, finding plutonium migrates more easily than cesium. These findings enhance understanding of radioactive element migration in soils.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Radiochemistry
- Geochemistry
Background:
- Anthropogenic radionuclides like plutonium (Pu) and cesium-137 (Cs) are environmental contaminants.
- Understanding their migration in soils is crucial for environmental risk assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure plutonium and cesium concentrations and isotopic ratios in Mongolian surface soils.
- To investigate the migration behavior of plutonium and cesium-137 in surface soils.
- To introduce and utilize the concept of 'migration depth' for radionuclide behavior analysis.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of plutonium isotopes (238Pu, 239,240Pu) and cesium-137 (137Cs) in surface soil samples.
- Measurement of plutonium activity ratios (238Pu/239,240Pu) and uranium isotope ratios (235U/238U).
- Correlation analysis between radionuclide concentrations and introduction of migration depth concept.
Main Results:
- Plutonium and 137Cs concentrations in Mongolian soils were quantified.
- The 238Pu/239,240Pu ratios indicated global fallout origins, and 235U/238U ratios were natural.
- A positive correlation was observed between 239,240Pu and 137Cs concentrations.
- Plutonium demonstrated higher migration mobility in surface soils compared to 137Cs.
Conclusions:
- The study successfully characterized radionuclide levels and migration in Mongolian soils.
- Plutonium exhibits greater mobility in surface soils than cesium-137.
- The migration depth concept provides valuable insights into radionuclide transport mechanisms.
Keywords:
(137)Cs/(239,240)Pu activity ratio(235)U/(238)U isotope ratio(238)Pu/(239,240)Pu activity ratio(239,240)PuMigrationMongolian surface soilMore Related Videos
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