Evolution of HTO concentrations in soil, vegetation and air during an experimental chronic HT release

Journal Article · Sun Oct 01 04:00:00 EDT 1995 · Fusion Technology

OSTI ID:196720

Davis, P A; Galeriu, D C ^[1]; Spencer, F S ^[2]; Amiro, B D ^[3]

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1. AECL, Chalk River (Canada)
2. Ontario Hydro Technologies, Toronto (Canada)
3. AECL, Pinawa (Canada)

A small experimental plot was continuously exposed to elevated levels of HT in air over a 12-day period to study the build up and steady-state concentrations of HTO in the environment. HTO concentrations in soil, vegetation and air all showed similar dynamics, increasing gradually over time with temporary decreases during and following rainfall. The relative magnitudes of the soil, vegetation and air concentrations depended on the height at which the air and vegetation were sampled, the depth at which the soil sample was taken and the soil depth over which the plants drew their transpiration water. The system was at or near steady-state in the last two or three days of the release. When averaged over an eight day interval that included periods of rain, the ratios of HTO concentration in soil, foliage and air moisture to HT concentration in air (measured 20 cm above the ground) were typically 0.0014, 0.0010 and 0.0011 (Bq/mL)/(Bq/m{sup 3}) for a cultivated field. 10 refs., 7 figs.

• OSTI ID: 196720
• Report Number(s): CONF-950506--
• Journal Information: Fusion Technology, Journal Name: Fusion Technology Journal Issue: 3 pt 1 Vol. 28; ISSN 0748-1896; ISSN FUSTE8
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
ABUNDANCE
AIR POLLUTION
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
HYDROGEN ISOTOPES
LAND POLLUTION
TRITIUM OXIDES