Characterization and source term assessments of radioactive particles from Marshall Islands using non-destructive analytical techniques

Six plutonium-containing particles stemming from Runit Island soil (Marshall Islands) were characterized by non-destructive analytical and microanalytical methods. Composition and elemental distribution in the particles were studied with synchrotron radiation based micro X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. Scanning electron microscope equipped with energy dispersive X-ray detector and with wavelength dispersive system as well as a secondary ion mass spectrometer were used to examine particle surfaces. Based on the elemental composition the particles were divided into two groups: particles with pure Pu matrix, and particles where the plutonium is included in Si/O-rich matrix being more heterogenously distributed. All of the particles were identified as nuclear fuel fragments of exploded weapon components. As containing plutonium with low 240Pu/239Pu atomic ratio, less than 0.065, which corresponds to weapons-grade plutonium or a detonation with low fission yield, the particles were identified to originate from the safety test and low-yield tests conducted in the history of Runit Island. The Si/O-rich particles contained traces of 137Cs (239 + 240Pu/137Cs activity ratio higher than 2500), which indicated that a minor fission process occurred during the explosion. The average 241Am/239Pu atomic ratio in the six particles was 3.7 × 10− 3 ± 0.2 × 10− 3 (February 2006), which indicated that plutonium in the different particles had similar age.