Analysis of the vertical distribution of 137Cs and 239,240Pu in waterlogged and non-boggy soils by the sequential extraction method

J Environ Radioact. 2022 Nov:253-254:106990. doi: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2022.106990. Epub 2022 Aug 29.

Abstract

Mobile capabilities of 137Cs, 239,240Pu and some stable element physicochemical forms were studied in soil layers at a depth of 6-8 cm (maximum concentrations of radionuclides) of non-boggy and waterlogged soil cores sampled on the shores of Lake Bedugnis (Lithuania). Soil samples were acidic with small amount of clay (muscovite). The radionuclide activity concentrations were about 2.5 times higher in non-boggy soil. It was explained by different conditions of deposition of radioactive fallout at these sampling sites and density of the soil samples. The value of the exchangeable fraction of radionuclides is shown to be an indicator of their migration capabilities in the soil. Under anaerobic conditions in waterlogged soil (stagnant pore water conditions) and due to the presence of clay admixture, ∼90% of 137Cs was concentrated in the residual fraction and its mobility was low. 239,240Pu was concentrated mainly in organic matter with rather large exchangeable fractions (∼9.6-∼13.9%). Under oxidizing conditions in non-boggy soil (dynamic pore water conditions in the case of rain), 239,240Pu was mostly concentrated in the oxide fraction. Its exchangeable fractions were less than those in waterlogged soil and, respectively, its mobility was lower. In non-boggy soils, exchangeable fractions of 137Cs were large and varied in the range of 10.1-12.2%, which indicated its high mobility. In the case, 137Cs adsorption by clay materials was reduced and its residual fraction did not exceed 71.3%. The obtained data show that in the area of Lake Bedugnis, the migration capabilities of 137Cs and 239,240Pu change in antiphase.

Keywords: Non-boggy soil; Plutonium; Radiocesium; Soil organic matter; Waterlogged soil.

MeSH terms

  • Cesium Radioisotopes / analysis
  • Clay
  • Plutonium* / analysis
  • Radiation Monitoring*
  • Radioactive Fallout* / analysis
  • Soil
  • Soil Pollutants, Radioactive* / analysis
  • Water / analysis

Substances

  • Cesium Radioisotopes
  • Radioactive Fallout
  • Soil
  • Soil Pollutants, Radioactive
  • Water
  • Cesium-137
  • Plutonium
  • Clay