Plutonium-239 in and over the Atlantic Ocean

Authors

V. T. Bowen, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, 02543
K. M. Wong, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, 02543
V. E. Noshkin, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, 02543

Abstract

Plutonium-239 has been found in over-ocean aerosols in about the same ratio to Strontium-90 as that reported over land. In seawater, Pu-239:Sr-90 ratios are shown to be less than half of those in over-ocean aerosols, confirming geochemical separation of these nuclides in the ocean. It is suggested that the sedimentation of Pu-239 may be more involved with biological processes than has been found for Ce-144 or Pm-147.

Recommended Citation

Bowen, V. T., K. M. Wong, and V. E. Noshkin. 1971. "Plutonium-239 in and over the Atlantic Ocean." Journal of Marine Research 29, (1). https://elischolar.library.yale.edu/journal_of_marine_research/1197