In order to assess the environmental impact of radioactive particles released from non-nuclear accidents, detailed forensic analysis is required on particle characteristics (size distribution, shape, composition, etc.) that determine the way that a contaminant persists in and moves through the environment. Forensic analysis can also help in determining human health risks. In the present study, we have effectively isolated, identified and characterized &gt;50 WGPu (weapon-grade plutonium) and U (uranium) fuel bearing particles with sizes ranging from 8-500 μm, which were explosively released into the environment from a Safety Test and have persisted in the environment for more than 5 decades. We have used several non-destructive methods in our analysis including SEM, EDS, digital autoradiography, and γ-spectrometry to fully characterize each particle. The isolated hot particles obtained from the Safety Test indicate a rich set of morphological features which can be differentiated from other non-nuclear accidents. The detailed analysis of actinide fuel bearing particles indicates correlations exist between shape, size, particle characters, and surface textures.

Morphological and elemental characterization of environmental actinide bearing fuel particles formed by non-nuclear weapons accidents

2019 Spring National Meeting

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