Radionuclides in the terrestrial ecosystem near a Canadian uranium mill -- Part 3: Atmospheric deposition rates (pilot test)

Journal Article · Thu Jun 01 04:00:00 EDT 2000 · Health Physics

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1097/00004032-200006000-00005· OSTI ID:20075792

Thomas, P A

Atmospheric deposition rates of uranium series radionuclides were directly measured at three sites near the operating Key Lake uranium mill in northern Saskatchewan. Sites impacted by windblown tailings and mill dusts had elevated rates of uranium deposition near the mill and elevated {sup 226}Ra deposition near the tailings compared to a control site. Rainwater collectors, dust jars, and passive vinyl collectors previously used at the Ranger Mine in Australia were pilot-tested. Adhesive vinyl surfaces (1 m{sup 2}) were oriented horizontally, vertically, and facing the ground as a means of measuring gravitational settling, wind impaction, and soil resuspension, respectively. Although the adhesive glue on the vinyls proved difficult to digest, relative differences in deposition mode were found among radionuclides and among sites. Dry deposition was a more important transport mechanism for uranium, {sup 226}Ra, and {sup 210}Pb than rainfall, while more {sup 210}Po was deposited with rainfall.

• Research Organization: Univ. of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan (CA)
• Sponsoring Organization: Environment Canada; Health Canada; Saskatchewan Health
• OSTI ID: 20075792
• Journal Information: Health Physics, Journal Name: Health Physics Journal Issue: 6 Vol. 78; ISSN HLTPAO; ISSN 0017-9078
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
AIR POLLUTION
CONTAMINATION
DEPOSITION
LEAD 210
POLONIUM 210
RADIATION MONITORING
RADIOECOLOGICAL CONCENTRATION
RADIUM 226
SASKATCHEWAN
SOILS
TERRESTRIAL ECOSYSTEMS
URANIUM