Characterization studies and indicated remediation methods for plutonium contaminated soils at the Nevada Test Site
- AWC-Lockheed, Las Vegas, NV (United States)
- EG and G Energy Measurements, Inc., Las Vegas, NV (United States)
An initial soil characterization study was conducted to help identify possible remediation methods to remove plutonium from the Nevada Test Site and Tonapah Test Range surface soils. Results from soil samples collected across various isopleths at five sites indicate that the size-fraction distribution patterns of plutonium remain similar to findings from the Nevada Applied Ecology Group (NAEG) (1970`s). The plutonium remains in the upper 10--15 cm of soils, as indicated in previous studies. Distribution of fine particles ``downwind`` of ground zero at each site is suggested. Whether this pattern was established immediately after each explosion or this resulted from post-shot wind movement of deposited material is unclear. Several possible soil treatment scenarios are presented. Removal of plutonium from certain size fractions of the soils would alleviate the sites of much of the plutonium burden. However, the nature of association of plutonium with soil components will determine which remediation methods will most likely succeed.
- Research Organization:
- EG and G Energy Measurements, Inc., Las Vegas, NV (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC08-88NV10617
- OSTI ID:
- 10150712
- Report Number(s):
- EGG-10617-1214; CONF-920851-26; ON: DE92014965
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: Spectrum `92: nuclear and hazardous waste management international topical meeting,Boise, ID (United States),23-27 Aug 1992; Other Information: PBD: [1992]
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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CHARACTERIZATION OF PLUTONIUM CONTAMINATED SOILS FROM THE NEVADA TEST SITE IN SUPPORT OF EVALUATION OF REMEDIATION TECHNOLOGIES