Thomas E. Hakonson

The transport of plutonium in terrestrial ecosystems.

Abstract Abstract-Data from several field studies of plutonium were evaluated to identify environmental factors that result in redistribution of this element within ecosystems. When released to terrestrial ecosystems, plutonium is almost quantitively transferred to and retained by soils. Thus, processes which transport soil within ecosystems predominate in the transport of environmental plutonium. Erosion of soils by wind and water is the principal means of translational movement of plutonium within terrestrial ecosystems. Soil erosion processes also dominate in the transport of soil plutonium to biological surfaces particularly in arid and semi-arid regions of the U.S. Understanding the relationships between soil erosional processes and plutonium transport within ecosystems is essential for prediction of plutonium fate and effects.

Radiation doses to rodents inhabiting a radioactive waste receiving area.

A study was conducted of the gamma ray doses to four species of native rodents inhabiting a low level radioactive liquid waste disposal area. Absorbed doses of radiation were measured with lithium fluroide thermoluminescent dosimeters that .were implanted subcutaneously. The absorbed radiation doses and I3’Cs body burdens were significantly higher for western harvest mice (Reithrodontomys megalotis) than for deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus), piiion mice (P. truei) and the least chipmunk (Eutamias minimus), reflecting differences in mobility and habitat preferences of the respective species. The average dose received by harvest mice was 26 mradlday, which was 26% of the highest gamma dose detected at the ground surface in the study plot, although the maximum dose received by individual mice was as’high as 45% of the maximum dose rates in the plot.