Geochemical and radiological characterization of soils from former radium processing sites
Soil samples were collected from former radium processing sites in Denver, CO, and East Orange, NJ. Particle-size separations and radiochemical analyses of selected samples showed that while the greatest contents of both 226Ra and U were generally found in the finest (< 45 ??m) fraction, the pattern was not always of progressive increase in radionuclide content with decreasing particle size. Leaching tests on these samples showed a large portion of the 225Ra and U to be soluble in dilute hydrochloric acid. Radon-emanation coefficients measured for bulk samples of contaminated soil were about 20%. Recovery of residual uranium and vanadium, as an adjunct to any remedial action program, appears unlikely due to economic considerations.
Citation Information
Publication Year | 1984 |
---|---|
Title | Geochemical and radiological characterization of soils from former radium processing sites |
Authors | E. R. Landa |
Publication Type | Article |
Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
Series Title | Health Physics |
Index ID | 70013926 |
Record Source | USGS Publications Warehouse |