Radioactive Contamination of Atmospheric Dust

大气尘埃的放射性污染

• 批准号: 0404944
• 负责人: James Conca
• 金额: --
• 依托单位: New Mexico State University
• 依托单位国家: 美国
• 项目类别: Standard Grant
• 财政年份: 2004
• 资助国家: 美国
• 起止时间: 2004-06-01 至 2009-05-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=0404944&HistoricalAwards=false
• 关键词: Radioactive; Contamination; Atmospheric; Dust

This project is a continuation of highly successful work by this investigator on the chemical composition of ambient dust particles by consideration of two toxicologically important radionuclides, Plutonium (Pu) and Americium (Am), relatively long-lived species primarily resulting from nuclear weapons testing fallout. Little is currently known regarding atmospheric transport and eventual fates of these particular radionuclides, and their contribution to radioactive contamination of ambient airborne aerosols. This study will quantify Pu and Am activity in atmospheric soil aerosols measured at sites where dust from major source regions in Asia or Africa can be sampled. These data will be compared with historical U.S. data to identify similarities and/or differences in radionuclide contamination. This research will provide an improved understanding of biogeochemical cycling of dust and radionuclides in the ambient global atmosphere, and potentially have important implications for homeland security with respect to release of radioactive materials to the atmosphere. Other broader impacts of this project include collaborations with a number of domestic and international institutions, which will facilitate technology transfer and considerable value-added science. A full-time graduate student and a number of undergraduate assistants will be involved in the project providing valuable research experience and professional development opportunities to these young scientists. The project also includes a variety of scientific and community outreach activities, including the development of web-based educational materials.

该项目是这位研究员在环境尘埃颗粒的化学成分方面非常成功的工作的继续，研究了两种具有重要毒理学意义的放射性核素，钚（Pu）和镅（Am），这是主要由核武器试验沉降物产生的寿命相对较长的物质。 目前对这些特定放射性核素的大气迁移和最终归宿及其对环境气溶胶放射性污染的贡献知之甚少。 这项研究将量化钚和Am的活动在大气土壤气溶胶中测量的网站，从亚洲或非洲的主要来源地区的灰尘可以采样。这些数据将与美国的历史数据进行比较，以确定放射性核素污染的相似性和/或差异。 这项研究将有助于更好地了解全球大气环境中尘埃和放射性核素的地球化学循环，并可能在放射性材料释放到大气层方面对国土安全产生重要影响。 该项目的其他更广泛的影响包括与一些国内和国际机构的合作，这将促进技术转让和相当大的增值科学。 一名全日制研究生和多名本科生助理将参与该项目，为这些年轻科学家提供宝贵的研究经验和专业发展机会。 该项目还包括各种科学和社区外联活动，包括编制网上教育材料。