Sequential isotopic determination of plutonium,thorium, americium and uranium in the air filter and drinking water samples around the WIPP site

The simultaneous determination of actinides in air filter and water samples around the WIPP site have been demonstrated. The analytical method is based on the selective separation and purification by anion exchange and Eichrome-TEVA, TRU and DGA-resin followed by determination of actinides by alpha spectrometry. Counting sources for alpha spectrometric measurements were prepared by microcoprecipitation on neodymium fluoride (NdF₃). Radiochemical yields were determined using ²⁴²Pu, ²²⁹Th, ²⁴³Am and ²³²U as tracers. The validation of the method is performed through the analysis of reference materials or participating in laboratory intercomparison programs. The plutonium concentrations in aerosols varied seasonally, being highest in spring and summer due to the spring-time enhanced wind-storm transportation of radioactive aerosols from the stratosphere to the troposphere. The ²³⁸Pu/^239+240Pu activity ratio in the aerosol samples is typically close to that of global fallout from historic above-ground nuclear weapons testing. The results presented here indicate that the source of plutonium in the WIPP environment results mainly from global nuclear fallout and there is no evidence of increases in radiological contaminants in the region that could be attributed to releases from the WIPP.