Fractionation of nuclear debris Cs-137 and Sr-90 in Fayetteville, AR rain 1973-1977

by Inn, K. G. W.

During the period of June 1973 to July 1977, the People's Republic of China detonated five nuclear weapons in the atmosphere. The resulting fallout was spread worldwide and also fell at Fayetteville, AR where the University of Arkansas, Department of Chemistry had rain collectors as well as air filter samplers. This investigation characterized the fractionation patterns from the Cs-137 and Sr-90 fallout. There was evidence of mixed production of Cs-137 and Sr-90 from U-235 and Pu-239 fission, unexpectedly large fractionation of volatile and refractory fission product chains and re-entrainment of previously deposited Cs-137 in storm systems. These findings could have application for future nuclear incidences, and environmental and radioecology studies.

Journal
Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry
Volume
331
Year
2022
Start Page
5265-5275
URL
https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10967-022-08615-4
ISBN/ISSN
1588-2780; 0236-5731
DOI
10.1007/s10967-022-08615-4