Nuclear Accidents

Nuclear Tests

In addition to the radionuclide differences

observed in hot particles from reactor accidents

and nuclear tests, there are physical and

radionuclide distribution differences in the hot

particles.

Particulate sampling is designed to capture and

measure these particles. However, as the

activity is mostly located in these particles, it is

highly likely that a non-homogeneous collection

would be observed.

This has implications for sample splitting and

duplicate sample analysis. Because of hot

particles, duplicate samples and splits of

samples will not be identical.

Hot Particles in the Environment Judah Friese

Contact:

Judah Friese

(509) 375-1788

judah.friese@pnnl.gov

SEM image of a hot particle, J. Environ. Radioactivity 22 (1994) 127 139;

Photos and autoradiograph of hot particles from a tower shot in Nevada and a surface shot at Bikini atoll. “The Effects of Nuclear Weapons Testing,” Glasstone and Dolan, 1977; ADA087568

Particles from the Kiwi Transient Nuclear Test (reactor explosion) Radionuclides in the Environment, Advances in Chemistry Series 93, pp.337-359;

Hot particles collected from a nuclear test at Semipalatinsk, Journal of Radioanal Nuc. Chem 06 (2004), Volume 260, Issue 3, 543-55

Chernobyl 1986

IMS RASA 3820110324, March 24, 2011 presented to RNEG WGB39, Nadalut, Greenwood

Photo and autoradiograph of hot particles from Fukushima, J Radioanal Nuc. Chem (2013) 296:1079–1084;

Autoradiograph of hot particles from Chernobyl J. Environ. Radioactivity 52 (2001) 5-16;

Man-Made Explosion

Conclusion and Relevance

to IMS and OSI

Fukushima 2011

Introduction

Hot particles in the environment

are a common occurrence.

The presence of radionuclides

in these particles causes

special care in interpretation of

IMS particulate samples and

OSI samples.

There is ample data in the

literature that describes hot

particles in the environment.

Several examples from nuclear

accidents and nuclear tests are

described, with similarities and

contrasts highlighted.

PN

NL

-SA

-95

840

T

1-P

31

http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/ba-1970-0093.ch018 http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10967-012-2135-x

http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/B:JRNC.0000028213.90177.48

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0265-931X(00)00081-3

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/0265-931X(94)90018-3