Source Term Estimation Using Multiple Xenon Isotopes in Atmospheric Samples

Journal Article · Thu Aug 01 04:00:00 EDT 2019 · Journal of Environmental Radioactivity

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvrad.2019.04.004· OSTI ID:1543319

Eslinger, Paul W. ^[1]; Lowrey, Justin D. ^[1]; Miley, Harry S. ^[1]; Rosenthal, William S. ^[1]; Schrom, Brian T. ^[1]

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1. BATTELLE (PACIFIC NW LAB)

Algorithms that estimate the location and magnitude of an atmospheric release using remotely sampled air concentrations typically involve a single chemical or radioactive isotope. A new Bayesian algorithm is presented that makes discrimination between possible types of releases (e.g., nuclear explosion, nuclear power plant, or medical isotope production facility) an integral part of the analysis for samples that contain multiple isotopes. Algorithm performance is demonstrated using synthetic data and correctly discriminated between most release-type hypotheses, with higher accuracy when data are available on three or more isotopes.

• Research Organization: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-76RL01830
• OSTI ID: 1543319
• Report Number(s): PNNL-SA-141380
• Journal Information: Journal of Environmental Radioactivity, Journal Name: Journal of Environmental Radioactivity Vol. 204
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English