Abstract
Studies of plutonium in the environment have focused on the α-emitting isotopes 238Pu, 239Pu and 240Pu, often overlooking the β-emitting isotope 241Pu because of its relatively short half-life (14.4 years). Here, we summarize sources of 241Pu and discuss its distribution and behavior in the environment. In the short term, 241Pu, the largest contributor to the total plutonium radioactivity whereas in the long term its decay products, 241Am and 237Np, are the major contributors as some 46% of current total 241Am is attributable to 241Pu decay. In this context, understanding the fate and transport of 241Pu is crucial to assessing long-term radiological dose.
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