Abstract
Uranium isotope (235U, 236U, 238U) ratios were determined for microscopic uranium-oxide grains using laser-ablation multi-collector inductively-coupled-plasma mass-spectrometry (LA-MC-ICP-MS). The grains were retrieved from contaminated soil and dust samples. The analytical technique utilised is rapid, requires minimal sample preparation, and is well suited for nuclear forensic applications. Precision and accuracy were assessed by replicate analyses of natural uraninite grains: relative uncertainty for 235U/238U is 0.2% (2σ), and the mean is in agreement with the natural ratio. A total of 115 uranium-oxide grains were analysed from environmental samples (soils and dusts); all of these were depleted uranium (DU) from a factory that produced uranium articles. Knowledge of the range of isotope ratios from particles of this controversial contaminant has proven useful when interpreting isotope ratios from bulk samples. Variation of the measured isotope signatures reveals details of the history of uranium processing and emissions.
Highlights
Case-studyNational Lead Industries (NLI) operated a plant in Colonie (NY, USA), from 1958 – 1984
Scrap metal was combusted in a furnace prior to disposal as uranium-oxide, and this resulted in emissions of uranium-oxide particulate to the environment.[1]
Contamination of the suburban environment surrounding NLI by depleted uranium is evident in air filters, surface soils, reservoir sediments, and the urine of former employees and some residents 2-7
Summary
National Lead Industries (NLI) operated a plant in Colonie (NY, USA), from 1958 – 1984. The plant processed uranium metals (depleted uranium and some enriched uranium); manufacturing kinetic energy penetrators (munitions), counterweights and radiation shielding from depleted uranium (DU). Scrap metal was combusted in a furnace prior to disposal as uranium-oxide, and this resulted in emissions of uranium-oxide particulate to the environment (at times via an unfiltered chimney).[1] Contamination of the suburban environment surrounding NLI by depleted uranium is evident in air filters, surface soils, reservoir sediments, and the urine of former employees and some residents 2-7. It is possible that the uranium feedstock(s) used at NLI varied in isotopic composition. DU particulates from air filters collected 15.6 km NNW of NLI in 1979 had variable isotopic composition 2
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