Abstract
We have developed and used a method of isolating, identifying and characterizing low-level concentrations (in the parts per billion range) of radioactive debris in topsoil samples from Area 13 of the Nevada Nuclear Test Site. This method would be applicable in studies of high-density particles dispersed to such a degree that they are below normal detection levels. We used wet sieving and continuous centrifugal sedimentation in dense liquids to separate the desired particles, monitoring the radioactivity throughout the separation process. The particles were then characterized with the aid of the scanning electron microscope (SEM) and analyzed in the SEM by X-ray fluorescence. Elements identified on these particles were as follows (in order of highest to lowest intensity): Si, Al, Fe, Nb, Sn, Ca, I, Ti, K, Cs, In, Zn and Pu.
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