Initial Strontium-90 concentrations in ocean sediment from the northern Marshall Islands

Elevated strontium-90 (90Sr) concentrations were detected in ocean sediment cores from the Bravo test crater in Bikini Atoll and Lacrosse crater near Runit Island, Enewetak Atoll, Marshall Islands. The study found measurable 90Sr levels across all tested cores, with ratios of 90Sr to cesium-137 (137Cs) significantly higher than those reported at other weapons testing sites or nuclear accidents. This suggests a unique pattern of radionuclide distribution in the northern Marshall Islands, necessitating further investigation into potential health risks for current residents and resettlement considerations for uninhabited islands. The research analyzed sediment cores to assess contamination levels, highlighting the need for continued monitoring due to 90Sr's long-term environmental persistence.

Rapaport, H. I. E., Nikolic-Hughes, I., & Hughes, E. W. (2022). Initial Strontium-90 concentrations in ocean sediment from the northern Marshall Islands. Journal of Radiation Research and Applied Sciences, 15(1), 17–20. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jrras.2021.11.001