HR: 0800h
AN: OS51C-0573    [Abstracts]
TI: Insights into Local Sediment Radionuclide Absorption and Retention in the island of Puerto Rico
AU: * Ithier-Guzm n, W
EM: ithiergu@marine.usf.edu
AU: Pyrtle, A J
EM: apyrtle@marine.usf.edu
AB: Anthropogenic radionuclides have been introduced to Puerto Rico, a United States (US) Commonwealth, via two major sources: global atmospheric fallout and local US government-sponsored tropical ecosystem experiments, prototype nuclear reactor testing and military artillery exercises. In October 2003 a preliminary investigation was initiated to examine the distribution and behavior of anthropogenic radionuclides in the Caribbean National Forest, Vieques and RincĒn. During this investigation, sediment, vegetation and water samples were collected and analyzed. Analytical results of sediment samples indicate the presence of anthropogenic radionuclides at all three sample locations. Surface and downcore 137Cs distributions, as well as particle size characteristics of sediments collected from Vieques and RincĒn are presented below. Results indicate that surface 137Cs activities at the Vieques sampling sites range from below detection limits to 0.01 Bq/g. Particle concentrations vary at each location. The average concentration of clay size particles are slightly higher at Kiani Lagoon (6 % clay) than at Mosquito Bay (2 % clay). It is anticipated that outcomes from this on-going investigation will include an increased understanding of radionuclide concentrations, distributions and behaviors, with respect to local aquatic geochemistry, dominant transport processes and ecological characteristics.
DE: 4825 Geochemistry
DE: 4860 Radioactivity and radioisotopes
SC: Ocean Sciences [OS]
MN: Fall Meeting 2005