Carbon-13/carbon-12 isotope fractionation of organic matter associated with uranium ores induced by alpha irradiation

Journal Article · Fri Oct 27 00:00:00 EDT 1978 · Science; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1126/science.202.4366.430· OSTI ID:6359235

Leventhal, J S; Threlkeld, C N

Analyses of stable carbon isotopes from two sample suites from sandstone uranium (tabular) ores show interesting variations. Organic carbon associated with high-grade uranium ore is heavy (delta/sup 13/C = -16.9 to -19.6 per mil, where delta/sup 13/C = /sup 13/C//sup 12/C relative to the Pee Dee belemnite standard) relative to the adjacent lower-grade samples (-22.7 to -26.4 per mil). It is suggested that the heavy isotopic values for the ore samples are related to a radiation and chemical isotope effect that has occurred mainly because of an alpha-radiation dose of 10/sup 11/ rads.

• Research Organization: Geological Survey, Denver, CO
• OSTI ID: 6359235
• Journal Information: Science; (United States), Vol. 202:4366
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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