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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Fluoride levels in vegetation in the vicinity of the Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant. Final report

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:5492584

Battelle initiated a survey of vegetation samples at new and established sites in the vicinity of the Portsmouth Gaseous Diffision Plant. Forty-nine vegetation samples were collected and analyzed for fluoride. Three samples from inside the plant boundaries contained fluoride in concentrations great enough to be of concern to grazing livestock (>40 ppm). All other samples were below the action level. Fluoride concentrations in vegetation reported by Battelle were somewhat greater than identical samples analyzed by GAT. This differences may be accounted for by the fact that GAT rinsed their samples prior to the analysis for fluoride while Battelle did not. Battelles' samples were not washed because fluoride containing particulates on the surface of vegetation can be readily ingested by livestock and may contribute to the total amount of fluoride absorbed by the livestock. Results of the vegetational survey were not correlated with the deposition pattern modeled by Battelle. Apparently, levels of fluoride in vegetation near the plant are not greatly influenced by plant emissions. Extraneous sources such as dust and other forms of atmospheric fluoride appear to be the predominant influence governing fluoride in vegetation. Results from the fluoride deposition model indicate that a deficiency of sampling points may exist in the northwest sector immediately adjacent to the plant perimeter. The addition of new sampling stations in this area would create closer surveillance of potential fluoride emissions from the plant.

Research Organization:
Battelle Columbus Labs., OH (USA); Goodyear Atomic Corp., Piketon, OH (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
AC05-76OR00001
OSTI ID:
5492584
Report Number(s):
GAT-Z-4150; ON: DE86011327
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English