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Title: Long-term exposure of /sup 238/PuO/sub 2/ to a terrestrial environment

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/6534880· OSTI ID:6534880

In many space missions that use radioisotope thermoelectric generators, /sup 238/PuO/sub 2/ is used as the source of heat. We exposed some of this heat-source material to simulated terrestrial environments for an 8-yr period. During this time we monitored the release of plutonium to water, air, and soil. Plutonium was found in the air, especially after the beginning of a rain, and in the water that percolated through the soil after a rain, but the major part of the plutonium was held in the soil.

Research Organization:
Los Alamos National Lab. (LANL), Los Alamos, NM (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
W-7405-ENG-36
OSTI ID:
6534880
Report Number(s):
LA-9487-MS; ON: DE83005607
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English