Chemical speciation of $sup 239$ $sup 240$Pu and $sup 137$Cs in Lake Michigan waters

Technical Report · Mon Dec 31 23:00:00 EST 1973

OSTI ID:4054961

Alberts, J J; Wahlgren, M A; Jehn, P J; Nelson, D M; Orlandini, K A

Studies of the submicron size distribution and charge characteristics of naturally occurring levels of $sup 239$Pu, $sup 240$Pu, and $sup 137$Cs were conducted to help define the physico-chemical state of these fallout derived nuclides in Lake Michigan waters and in precipitation samples taken in the Argonne Laboratory area. Procedures are described for sample collection, size distribution determination, analysis of ion exchange resins, and plutonium determination by evaporation. Results indicated that the radioisotopes exist in several different fractions within the water column and that the total charge of these fractions is different from what would be predicted by simple solution chemistry. The distribution of the isotopes in snow appears to be different from that in the water column, indicating that considerable chemical or physical transformations must take place after the atomospheric input has reached the lake surface. (HLW)

• Research Organization: Argonne National Lab., Ill. (USA)
• NSA Number: NSA-33-023270
• OSTI ID: 4054961
• Report Number(s): ANL--75-3(Pt.3)
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

*CESIUM 137-- RADIOECOLOGICAL CONCENTRATION
*LAKE MICHIGAN-- CONTAMINATION
*PLUTONIUM 239-- RADIOECOLOGICAL CONCENTRATION
*PLUTONIUM 240-- RADIOECOLOGICAL CONCENTRATION
520300* --Environmental Sciences
Aquatic--Radioactive Materials Monitoring & Transport
ATMOSPHERIC PRECIPITATIONS
CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
DISTRIBUTION
ION EXCHANGE MATERIALS
N44300* --Environmental & Earth Sciences--Radioactivity Monitoring & Transport
PARTICLE SIZE
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
RESINS