HR: 0800h
AN: OS11A-0197    [Abstracts]
TI: Radiogeochemical Properties and Cycling at the Caribbean National Forest El Verde Research Station and Surrounding Region on the Island of Puerto Rico
AU: * Ithier-Guzman, W
EM: ithiergu@marine.usf.edu
AF: University of South Florida, 140 Seventh Ave. S. MSL-119, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, United States
AU: Pyrtle, A J
EM: apyrtle@marine.usf.edu
AF: University of South Florida, 140 Seventh Ave. S. MSL-119, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, United States
AB: From 1964 through the early 1970's the Atomic Energy Commission conducted a series of experiments at The El Verde Research Station in Puerto Rico. Among these experiments included several involving the use of Cs-137 and other anthropogenic radionuclides. Radiological tests on the trees and vegetation were conducted in a small section of rainforest to study mineral cycling and metabolism. Studies on fauna and water movement were also conducted. In 2003 an investigation of long-term radiogeochemical cycling at the El Verde Research Station was launched. Results from radiogeochemical analysis of sediments and soils collected from El Verde Research Station, nearby streams, as well as the estuary of Coco Beach in the municipality of Rio Grande, Puerto Rico are presented. Cs-137 activities range from below detection limits to 0.4 Bq/g. Ancillary data obtained from grain size, X-ray diffraction, ICP-OES analyses are also discussed. Understanding the current environmental health of study region's ecosystem is vital, given the fact that this area serves as one of the largest sources of potable water for more than 13 municipalities of Puerto Rico.
DE: 3359 Radiative processes
DE: 4825 Geochemistry
SC: Ocean Sciences [OS]
MN: 2007 Fall Meeting