L. Liong Wee Kwong

Analysis of plutonium isotopes in marine samples by radiometric, ICP-MS and AMS techniques

IAEA reference materials (radionuclides in the marine environment) collected in areas affected by nuclear reprocessing plants and nuclear weapons tests have been analysed by semiconductor alpha-spectrometry (SAS), liquid scintillation spectrometry (LSS) and mass spectrometric techniques (high resolution ICP-MS and AMS) with the aim of developing analytical procedures and to study the geochemical behavior of plutonium in the marine environment. The Pu results obtained by SAS, ICP-MS and AMS were in reasonably good agreement (R2 = 0.99). The mean atom ratios of 240Pu/239Pu in IAEA reference materials, IAEA-134, 135 and 381 were (0.212±0.010), (0.211±0.004) and (0.242±0.004), respectively. IAEA-384 (Fangataufa Lagoon Sediment) gave a 240Pu/239Pu mean atom ratio of 0.051±0.001. The results of 241Pu obtained by ICP-MS and LSS also show reasonable agreement (R2 = 0.91). Pu isotopic signatures were useful in tracing Pu origin and in interpreting biogeochemical processes involving Pu in the marine environment.

Persistent Organophosphorus Pesticides in Tropical Marine Environments

Abstract ‘New generation’ organophosphorus insecticides are extensively used in tropical agriculture. Investigations into the distribution of a selection of these highly toxic compounds in coastal areas of Central America and Mexico have revealed that some are sufficiently heavily used and persistent to potentially impact sensitive tropical marine ecosystems. In sediments from the areas chosen for study, chlorpyrifos was found to be the most widely distributed compound. Traces of parathion and methyl-chlorpyrifos were, however, also encountered. Concentrations of the other major organophosphorus agrochemicals applied in these regions (including methyl-parathion, malathion, monocrotofos, and fenitrothion) were generally found to be below the limits of detection of the analytical techniques employed (typically −1 dry wt).

Isotopic, geophysical and biogeochemical investigation of submarine groundwater discharge: IAEA-UNESCO intercomparison exercise at Mauritius Island

Submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) into a shallow lagoon on the west coast of Mauritius Island (Flic-en-Flac) was investigated using radioactive ((3)H, (222)Rn, (223)Ra, (224)Ra, (226)Ra, (228)Ra) and stable ((2)H, (18)O) isotopes and nutrients. SGD intercomparison exercises were carried out to validate the various approaches used to measure SGD including radium and radon measurements, seepage rate measurements using manual and automated meters, sediment bulk conductivity and salinity surveys. SGD measurements using benthic chambers placed on the floor of the Flic-en-Flac Lagoon showed discharge rates up to 500 cm/day. Large variability in SGD was observed over distances of a few meters, which were attributed to different geomorphological features. Deployments of automated seepage meters captured the spatial and temporal variability of SGD with a mean seepage rate of 10 cm/day. The stable isotopic composition of submarine waters was characterized by significant variability and heavy isotope enrichment and was used to predict the contribution of fresh terrestrially derived groundwater to SGD (range from a few % to almost 100%). The integrated SGD flux, estimated from seepage meters placed parallel to the shoreline, was 35 m(3)/m day, which was in reasonable agreement with results obtained from a hydrologic water balance calculation (26 m(3)/m day). SGD calculated from the radon inventory method using in situ radon measurements were between 5 and 56 m(3)/m per day. Low concentrations of radium isotopes observed in the lagoon water reflected the low abundance of U and Th in the basalt that makes up the island. High SGD rates contribute to high nutrients loading to the lagoon, potentially leading to eutrophication. Each of the applied methods yielded unique information about the character and magnitude of SGD. The results of the intercomparison studies have resulted a better understanding of groundwater-seawater interactions in coastal regions. Such information is an important pre-requisite for the protection and management of coastal freshwater resources.

A new Certified Reference Material for radionuclides in Irish sea sediment (IAEA-385)

A new Certified Reference Material (CRM) for radionuclides in sediment (IAEA-385) is described and the results of the certification process are presented. Eleven radionuclides ((40)K, (137)Cs, (226)Ra, (228)Ra, (230)Th, (232)Th, (234)U, (238)U, (238)Pu, (239+240)Pu and (241)Am) have been certified and information mass activities with 95% confidence intervals are given for seven other radionuclides ((90)Sr, (210)Pb((210)Po), (235)U, (239)Pu, (240)Pu and (241)Pu). Results for less frequently reported radionuclides ((60)Co, (99)Tc, (134)Cs, (155)Eu, (224)Ra and (239)Np) and information on some activity and mass ratios are also reported. The CRM can be used for quality assurance/quality control of the analysis of radionuclides in sediment samples, for the development and validation of analytical methods and for training purposes.

Summary of IAEA-MEL's investigation of Kara Sea radioactivity and radiological assessment

IAEA-MEL participated in five expeditions to the Kara Sea with the aim of assessing the radiological consequences of dumped radioactive wastes in the Novaya Zemlya Bays and Trough. The programme included sampling, in-situ underwater investigations, laboratory analyses of water, sediment and biota samples, the development of a marine radioactivity database, modelling and radiological assessment, the organization of intercomparison exercises and the evaluation of distribution coefficients. Radiometric investigations have shown that no radiologically significant environmental contamination has occurred. Leakages which have led to locally increased levels of radionuclides in sediment have only been observed in Stepovoy and Abrosimov Bays. Computer modelling results suggest that only radiological effects on local and regional scales may be of importance. The global radiological impact of the disposals in the Arctic Seas will be negligible.

Liquid scintillation spectrometry of beta-emitters in marine samples

Liquid scintillation spectrometry has become the most widespread method for quantitative analysis of low level β-emitters in environmental samples. This technique has been applied in the measurements of 241Pu, 3H and 90Sr in seawater and sediment samples. 241Pu can be measured by direct analysis of an electrodeposited source using α-β discrimination or by extraction of electrodeposited plutonium into a liquid form compatible with scintillation cocktail. Sediment from Mururoa and Fangataufa atolls showed activities ranging from 18 to 44 Bq/kg. A sediment profile sampled around Bikini Atoll in 1997 showed 241Pu activities ranging from 0.3 to 30 Bq/kg. 3H activities in pore water sediment from Mururoa and Fangataufa atolls were of the order of 103 Bq/m3 which demonstrated its underground origin. 90Sr was measured in the presence of 90Y. The counting efficiency was 92.41.5% and the background 0.027±0.001 s-1. The average chemical recovery for 90Sr was 673%.

Searching for the Record of Historical Earthquakes, Floods and Anthropogenic Activities in the Var Sedimentary Ridge (NW Mediterranean)

Submarine landslides on continental slopes are triggered by diverse mechanisms such as sea-level variations, climate-driven sediment supply fluctuations, slope steepening related to long term tectonics, earthquakes and human activities. In the present work, we try to discriminate the origin of major gravity events recorded in three sediment cores collected on the Var Sedimentary Ridge (NW Mediterranean) by means of X-ray imaging, grain-size distributions and 210Pb-based chronologies supported by 137Cs and AMS 14C dating. An alternation of hemipelagic mud and sandy turbidite layers is apparent in all cores. In two of them, the topmost turbidite can be correlated to the well-known 1979 Nice-Airport landslide. A sub-surficial sandy layer is identified in all three cores with an approximate age of 120 years, suggesting for the first time a relationship with the largest earthquake in the region (1887; Mw = 6.9). Below the depth of that major event, sand beds are tentatively related to older local earthquakes and centennial floods.