کد مقاله | کد نشریه | سال انتشار | مقاله انگلیسی | نسخه تمام متن |
---|---|---|---|---|
1739463 | 1016853 | 2006 | 14 صفحه PDF | دانلود رایگان |
A January 1966 accident dispersed Pu and other nuclear bomb materials in the vicinity of Palomares, a village in southeastern Spain. Radioactive particles were identified in a soil sample collected in 1998 and analytical results obtained from one of the isolated particles are presented here. Isolation of the particle was performed using gamma-ray spectrometry and imaging plates. Scanning electron microscopy with X-ray microanalysis revealed the presence of U and Pu as well as Pb and Fe in the particle of ∼ 10 μm diameter. Radioisotopes of U, Pu, and Am were quantified using radiometric methods, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and secondary ion mass spectrometry. The elevated 235U/238U atom ratio indicates enriched U, and the Pu atom ratios are consistent with weapons-grade material. This work demonstrates that the analysis of individual particles provides information not available through bulk sample analysis.
Journal: Journal of Environmental Radioactivity - Volume 90, Issue 1, 2006, Pages 15–28