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Plutonium Fission in the Oklo Natural Reactor

Journal Article · · Nature
OSTI ID:786315
The Oklo natural reactor was discovered in 1972. Experimental evidence has indicated that the fuel source was primarily 235U with a small contribution of 7 to 9 percent from the fission of 239Pu. This article's reevaluation of data indicates that 239Pu was an important source of fuel in some areas of the reactor. A small portion of xenon and krypton released from Oklo sample 1348 appears to have originated from a source enriched in 239Pu. That fuel source may have been the core of a natural breeder reactor.
Research Organization:
Savannah River Site (US)
Sponsoring Organization:
US Department of Energy (US)
DOE Contract Number:
AC09-76SR00001
OSTI ID:
786315
Report Number(s):
DP-MS-80-75
Journal Information:
Nature, Journal Name: Nature
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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