One of the specific aims of nuclear forensics is attribution of nuclear debris to specific sources, an endeavor that generally entails isotope measurements of elements such as uranium and plutonium. It is challenging to construct meaningful undergraduate research projects that delve into this subject matter. At Metropolitan State University of Denver, undergraduate chemistry majors are offered the option of participating in nuclear forensics-related research projects. A broad topic that can serve as the basis for many such projects is examining sources of uranium in the environment. Key questions to be addressed in research projects are: A) are concentrations/activities elevated vs. geochemical baseline levels; B) does the uranium contain a complement of daughter isotopes from the U-238 series; C) has uranium been chemically separated, e.g., in uranium milling; and D) does the uranium contain an altered isotope composition, i.e., is it “enriched” or “depleted”. This paper will discuss several case studies of projects that have been designed to provide students with some initial exposure to the discipline of nuclear forensics. Examples include studies of depleted uranium near former metallurgy facilities, enriched uranium near nuclear fuel fabrication facilities, and contamination with U-238 series wastes in the proximity of uranium mining and milling sites. Students gain experience in background research of previous environmental assessments, field sampling, sample processing and dissolution, solid phase extraction, and quantitative/isotope analysis by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Students with some initial experience in nuclear forensics-related research have shown interest in pursuing advanced degrees in nuclear chemistry and in career paths in this discipline.

Creating opportunities for disadvantaged undergraduate students in nuclear chemistry: Forensic studies of uranium sources in the environment

255th National Meeting (2018)

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