The separation, identification and characterization of radioactive particles in topsoil
- Creators
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Faber, K. T.
- Landingham, R. L.
Abstract
We have developed and used a method of isolating, identifying and characterizing low-level concentrations (in the parts per billion range) of radioactive debris in topsoil samples from Area 13 of the Nevada Nuclear Test Site. This method would be applicable in studies of high-density particles dispersed to such a degree that they are below normal detection levels. We used wet sieving and continuous centrifugal sedimentation in dense liquids to separate the desired particles, monitoring the radioactivity throughout the separation process. The particles were then characterized with the aid of the scanning electron microscope (SEM) and analyzed in the SEM by X-ray fluorescence. Elements identified on these particles were as follows (in order of highest to lowest intensity): Si, Al, Fe, Nb, Sn, Ca, I, Ti, K, Cs, In, Zn and Pu.
Additional Information
Copyright © 1977 Elsevier. (Received April 19, 1976; in revised form August 17, 1976). This report covers work performed in the summer of 1975 for Dr. Robert K. Schulz of the Soils and Plant Nutrition Department of the University of California at Berkeley. Invaluable technical assistance was provided by A. W. Casey, scanning electron microscopist, and by A. Biermann, C. Farrell, D. Lai, R. Lindahl and C. Slettevold, members of the Particle Characterization Group. This work was performed under the auspices of the U.S. Energy Research and Development Administration under Contract No. W-7405-Eng-48.Additional details
- Eprint ID
- 49516
- Resolver ID
- CaltechAUTHORS:20140909-211212745
- W-7405-Eng-48
- Energy Research and Development Administration (ERDA)
- Created
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2014-09-10Created from EPrint's datestamp field
- Updated
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2021-11-10Created from EPrint's last_modified field