Introduction to in-situ techniques for radiological characterization of sites

3.6.1 Examples of pollutants from military activities



Type of activity Operation Radioactive and Chemical contaminants
Production of Nuclear Weapons Reactor operations 3H, 60Co, 90Sr, Cr6+,(SO4)2–
Irradiated fuel processing 3H, 90Sr, 99Tc, 129I, 137Cs, Pu, U, CN, Cl, F, NO3
Plutonium purification Pu, 241Am, carbon tetrachloride, chloroform, NO3-
Fuel fabrication and enrichment 99Tc, U, Cr6+, Cu, Be, trichloroethylenes(TCEs), F
Waste storage In landfills: organic solvents, high levels of radioactive liquids, including transuranic elements, oils, cellulosics and contaminated clothing. Mixed with asbestos
In Tanks: sodium nitrate solutions, PCBs
Weapon testing Above ground tests U, UNO3,Pu, depleted uranium Hg, NO3, NaNO3,HNO3, tributylphosphate (TBP), kerosene, HCl, CrO4, heating oil, Zr, HF, trichloroethylene (TCE), acetone, hydrocarbons
Radiological warfare tests 60Co, 90Sr, 137Cs, 154Eu, 155Eu, 241Am, Pu
Corrosive substances