Field measurements of plutonium and americium contamination in soils at the Nevada Test Site using passive alpha detectors
- Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (United States); and others
Field measurements of surface alpha contamination in soils using two types of passive alpha detectors, Electret Ionization Chambers and Alpha Track Detectors, have been conducted in the vicinity of Area 11B at the Nevada Test Site. The study area was contaminated with plutonium and americium ranging from 0.12 to 263 nCi/g that was dispersed by a {open_quotes}safety shot{close_quotes}. Soil samples were collected and radiochemically analyzed to provide the calibration basis for both types of detectors. Both types of detectors were deployed directly on bare surface soil to obtain estimates of the gross alpha contamination levels. Depth profiles of the alpha contaminants to depths of 20 cm were obtained using a customized version of the alpha track detector. Interferents, advantages, and disadvantages of the two passive techniques will be discussed.
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC05-84OR21400
- OSTI ID:
- 161599
- Journal Information:
- Radioactivity and Radiochemistry, Journal Name: Radioactivity and Radiochemistry Journal Issue: 3 Vol. 5; ISSN RARAE6; ISSN 1045-845X
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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