Publication Abstract

Transuranium Nuclides in the World’s Oceans

L.L. Vintró, P.I. Mitchell, K.J. Smith, P. Kershaw and H.Livingston

For almost six decades, transuranium nuclides have been introduced to the world's oceans from a multiplicity of sources, both planned and accidental. During this time, much has been learned about the distribution and behaviour of these radionuclides in shelf, continental slope and deep ocean environments, as well as the oceanic physical and biochemical processes governing their dispersion, transfer and ultimate fate. In this paper, the main sources of transuranium nuclides to the marine environment are reviewed, and an account given of the current state of knowledge regarding the main processes affecting their oceanic behaviour. Emphasis is given to the physico-chemical forms of transuranium nuclides upon entry to the ocean, the changes that take place upon dilution with seawater and the complex physical and biogeochemical processes that determine their long-term fate.

Reference:

L.L. Vintró, P.I. Mitchell, K.J. Smith, P. Kershaw and H.Livingston, 2004. Transuranium Nuclides in the World’s Oceans. pp79-108 In: Livingston H.D. (ed). Marine Radioactivity. Elsevier, Amsterdam.