A new method of measuring {sup 81}Kr and {sup 85}Kr abundances in environmental samples.
We demonstrate a new method for determining the {sup 81}Kr/Kr ratio in environmental samples based upon two measurements: the {sup 85}Kr/{sup 81}Kr ratio measured by Atom Trap Trace Analysis (ATTA) and the {sup 85}Kr/Kr ratio measured by Low-Level Counting (LLC). This method can be used to determine the mean residence time of groundwater in the range of 10{sup 5}--10{sup 6} a. It requires a sample of 100 {mu}l STP of Kr extracted from approximately two tons of water. With modern atmospheric Kr samples, we demonstrate that the ratios measured by ATTA and LLC are directly proportional to each other within the measurement error of {+-}10%; we calibrate the {sup 81}Kr/Kr ratio of modern air measured using this method; and we show that the {sup 81}Kr/Kr ratios of samples extracted from air before and after the development of the nuclear industry are identical within the measurement error.
- Research Organization:
- Argonne National Laboratory (ANL)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- SC
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC02-06CH11357
- OSTI ID:
- 961384
- Report Number(s):
- ANL/PHY/JA-47275
- Journal Information:
- Geophys. Res. Lett., Journal Name: Geophys. Res. Lett. Journal Issue: 20 ; Oct. 29, 2003 Vol. 30; ISSN GPRLAJ; ISSN 0094-8276
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- ENGLISH
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