Comparative distribution of 241 Am and 239,240 Pu in soils around the Rocky Flats Environmental Technology Site

The distribution and behavior of 241 Am and 239,240 Pu in soils from the buffer zone of the Rocky Flats Environmental Technology Site have been investigated. Concentrations of both radionuclides decreased at similar rates with soil depth. More than 80% of the total inventory of both contaminants was found in the upper 9 cm of the soils with over 50% of the inventory residing in the top 3 cm. Comparison with earlier studies indicate that the plutonium depth profile has not changed significantly over the last 25 y. The inventories of 241 Am and 239,240 Pu decreased with distance from the 903 Pad (a former waste storage site) according to a power function, and the plume extended mainly toward the east. The lateral movement of the two contaminants away from the 903 Pad was not significantly different. The median activity ratio of 241 Am: 239,240 Pu ranged from 17 to 19% and was independent of sampling location and soil depth. This observation provided further evidence that the movement of both contaminants is indistinguishable in the study area. Because of the strong correlation between the two radionuclides, 241 Am concentrations can then be used to infer 239,240 Pu by counting the 241 Am via gamma spectroscopy.