Oxidation states of239,240Pu in global fallout

Oxidized Pu species Pu(V+VI)] have been found in surface waters and rainfall both from atmospheric and surface nuclear test debris. This paper presents experimental data which suggests that this oxidized Pu may be a memory of the oxidation state of^239,240U formed during thermonuclear explosions, and which -decayed to^239,240Pu through^239,240Np following condensation on atmospheric particles.Research sponsored by the Office of Health and Environmental Research, U. S. Department of Energy, under Contract No. DE-AC05-840R21400 with Martin Marietta Energy Systems, Inc.