Anthropogenic {sup 129}I in western New York: Distribution, sources and pathways
- Univ. of Rochester, NY (United States)
The present {sup 129}I concentration at the surface of the earth is dominated by releases from anthropogenic sources such as atmospheric weapons tests and nuclear facilities. We report here {sup 129}I concentrations in waters, plants and soils from Western New York and the surrounding areas. Values found in waters and plants outside Western New York are approximately three orders of magnitude above natural levels. Concentrations in Western New York are another order of magnitude higher with a distinct pattern of concentration pointing to the source at West Valley, a former reprocessing facility, which continues to add significantly to the {sup 129}I budget in this region. Transport of anthropogenic {sup 129}I is clearly detectable in waters draining the West Valley area but the overall distribution of this isotope indicates also a significant component of aerial transport. The continued presence of bomb-related {sup 129}I demonstrates a long residence time of this isotope in biosphere and hydrosphere.
- OSTI ID:
- 126706
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-950402--
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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