Table 1 Summary of hot particle characterization results using µ-SXRF, µ-XAS, and µ-XRD techniques.
From: The nature of Pu-bearing particles from the Maralinga nuclear testing site, Australia
Particle name Locality | Description | Major elemental composition | Oxidation state of Pu, U present | Major mineral composition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Bruce (GNE*) North-east plume | Irregular, uneven oblong particle with bumpy surface. Length = 518 µm | Pu, U, Fe, Al | Pu(0) + Pu(IV) ± Pu(III), U(IV/VI) | Pu–U-C, PuO2±x, UO2±x/U3O7, Al–Fe alloy/Al2O3 |
Potatohead (ZD600*) North-west plume | Irregular trapezoidal shape with uneven surface. Length = 336 µm | Pu, U, Al, Fe | Pu(IV), U(IV/VI) | PuO2±x, UO2±x/U3O7 |
CeresI (K480i) 100 m north GZ | Spherical, slightly oval particle with smooth surface containing slight imperfections. Length = 218 µm | Pb, Pu, U | Pu(IV), U(IV) | Native lead |
CeresII (K480iI) 100 m north GZ | Irregular, somewhat spherical particle with square protrusion on surface. Length = 216 µm | Pb, Pu, U | n/a | Native lead |
CeresIII (K480iii) 100 m north GZ | Spherical particle with smooth surface containing slight imperfections. Length = 222 µm | Pb, Pu, U | n/a | Native lead |
Chip (K480iv) 100 m north GZ | Irregular, oblong particle with smooth surface. Length = 110 µm | Pb, Pu, U | n/a | Native lead |
