Study on plutonium isotopes determination in soils from the region of Lublin (Poland)

The concentration of 239+240Pu and 238Pu has been determined in surface soils (0–2 cm) of the Lublin region, eastern Poland. The concentration of 239+240Pu in all samples ranged from 0.076 to 0.337 Bq/kg dry weight of soil, and of 238Pu from 0.008 to 0.036 Bq/kg. The minimum detectable amount (MDA) of 239+240Pu was calculated to be 5 ± 2 mBq/kg of soil, and of 238Pu 3 ± 1 mBq/kg. The fraction of 239+240Pu originating from the Chernobyl accident ranged from 0 to 35%.