HR: 1340h
AN: H53A-1198    [Abstracts]
TI: Studying the anthropogenic radionuclides in Puerto Rico: Preliminary Result
AU: * Ithier-Guzm n, W
EM: ithiergu@marine.usf.edu
AU: Pyrtle, A J
EM: apyrtle@marine.usf.edu
AU: Smoak, J
EM: smoak@stpt.usf.edu
AB: Local introduction of anthropogenic radionuclides to Puerto Rico's terrestrial and aquatic environments began in 1962 as a result of US government-sponsored research activities. Some of the earlier experiments examined the effects of radiation in tropical rainforests and the potential of superheated boiling nuclear reactor technology. More recent activities involved the use of depleted uranium during military exercises on Vieques. While the presence of radionuclides in Puerto Rico is documented, little research has been done to assess the environmental impact of this anthropogenic material. After entering Puerto Rico's environment, it is likely that some radionuclides are transported away from initial introduction sites. It is important that the distributions and behavior of radionuclides in Puerto Rico be determined. As such an investigation of this material throughout Puerto Rico was initiated. Sediment Cs-137 and Pb-210 activities, as well as ancillary geochemistry data are presented. These preliminary findings will be utilized as part of an ongoing study to determine radionuclide distributions and behaviors, with respect to aquatic geochemistry and dominant transport processes.
DE: 1806 Chemistry of fresh water
SC: Hydrology [H]
MN: 2004 AGU Fall Meeting