The Retrospective Analysis of Radionuclides in Banded Coral from the Bikini Atoll

A retrospective analysis of radionuclides in banded coral from Bikini Atoll reveals that the source-term of plutonium (Pu) and uranium (U) within the lagoon is slowly changing over time. This finding provides critical insights into the long-term behavior and export potential of these isotopes, which have been continuously released into the Pacific Basin since nuclear weapons testing in the 1940s and 1950s. The study utilized two corals retrieved in 2016 to construct a chronological record of 239+240Pu and 236U concentrations and isotope ratios, employing advanced techniques such as x-ray imaging, stable isotope analysis, extraction chromatography, anion exchange columns, and accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS). These methods allowed researchers to model the loss rate of Pu and U inside the lagoon, offering a basis for predicting future changes in their solubility and environmental impact.

Gallardo, A. M. (2019). The Retrospective Analysis of Radionuclides in Banded Coral from the Bikini Atoll [University of Nevada, Las Vegas]. https://doi.org/10.34917/18608646