The Transport of Plutonium in Terrestrial Ecosystems

Abstract-Data from several field studies of plutonium were evaluated to identify environmental factors that result in redistribution of this element within ecosystems. When released to terrestrial ecosystems, plutonium is almost quantitively transferred to and retained by soils. Thus, processes which transport soil within ecosystems predominate in the transport of environmental plutonium. Erosion of soils by wind and water is the principal means of translational movement of plutonium within terrestrial ecosystems. Soil erosion processes also dominate in the transport of soil plutonium to biological surfaces particularly in arid and semi-arid regions of the U.S. Understanding the relationships between soil erosional processes and plutonium transport within ecosystems is essential for prediction of plutonium fate and effects.