Fallout Deposition in the Marshall Islands from Bikini and Enewetak Nuclear Weapons Tests

Only 20 out of the 66 nuclear tests conducted at Bikini and Enewetak Atolls (1946-1958) resulted in substantial radioactive fallout deposition on inhabited Marshall Islands, according to a comprehensive analysis. Researchers estimated deposition densities for 63 radionuclides from these tests using historical data, contemporary soil samples, and meteorological analyses. The findings align with measurements of cesium-137 (137Cs) deposition, validating the approach. This study provides the most detailed estimates of fallout composition, fractionation, and transit times, enabling accurate dose assessments for external and internal radiation exposure.

Beck, H. L., Bouville, A., Moroz, B. E., & Simon, S. L. (2010). FALLOUT DEPOSITION IN THE MARSHALL ISLANDS FROM BIKINI AND ENEWETAK NUCLEAR WEAPONS TESTS. Health Physics, 99(2), 124–142. https://doi.org/10.1097/hp.0b013e3181bbbfbd