Backtracking of Noble Gas Measurements Taken in the Aftermath of the Announced October 2006 Event in North Korea by Means of PTS Methods in Nuclear Source Estimation and Reconstruction

The announced October 2006 nuclear test explosion in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) has been the first real test regarding the technical capabilities of the verification system built up by the Vienna-based Provisional Technical Secretariat (PTS) of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) to detect and locate a nuclear test event. This paper enhances the resolution of the DPRK events’ xenon source reconstruction published by Saey et al. (2007, “A long distance measurement of radioxenon in Yellowknife, Canada, in late October 2006”, GRL, Vol. 34, L20802) that was based solely on radio-xenon measurements taken at the remote radionuclide station in Yellowknife, Canada by involving additional measurements taken by a mobile noble gas system deployed quite close to the event location in the Republic of Korea (ROK). Moreover the horizontal resolution of the forward and backward atmospheric transport modelling methods applied for the source scenario reconstruction has been enhanced appropriately to reflect the considerably shorter source-receptor distances examined in comparison to the previously published source reconstruction. It is shown that the ¹³³Xe measurements in Yellowknife could register ¹³³Xe traces from the nuclear explosion during the first 3 days after the event, while the mobile measurements were rather sensitive to releases during days 2–4 after the explosion. According to the analysis, the most likely source scenario would consist of an initial (possibly up to 21 h delayed) venting of 1 × 10^?15 Bq ¹³³Xe during the first 24 h, followed by a two orders of magnitude weaker seepage during the following 3 days. Both measurements corroborate the scenario of a rather rapid venting and soil diffusion of the ¹³³Xe yielded during the explosion. While the Swedish mobile measurements were crucial to enhancement of the reconstruction of the source scenario, given the installation status of the IMS xenon network at the time of the event, a sensitivity analysis revealed that the fully developed network would have been able to detect ¹³³Xe traces from the Korean explosion at a number of stations and allowed for an even better constraint on the release function. The station Ussuriysk, Russia, being in operation in 2006, would have registered ¹³³Xe within 1 day and with a three orders of magnitudes stronger signal compared to the detection at Yellowknife.     

Analysis of Radionuclide Releases from the Fukushima Dai-Ichi Nuclear Power Plant Accident Part I

Part I of this publication deals with the analysis of fission product releases consecutive to the Fukushima Dai-ichi accident. Reactor core damages are assessed relying on radionuclide detections performed by the CTBTO radionuclide network, especially at the particulate station located at Takasaki, 210 km away from the nuclear power plant. On the basis of a comparison between the reactor core inventory at the time of reactor shutdowns and the fission product activities measured in air at Takasaki, especially ⁹⁵Nb and ¹⁰³Ru, it was possible to show that the reactor cores were exposed to high temperature for a prolonged time. This diagnosis was confirmed by the presence of ¹¹³Sn in air at Takasaki. The ¹³³Xe assessed release at the time of reactor shutdown (8 × 10¹⁸ Bq) turned out to be in the order of 80 % of the amount deduced from the reactor core inventories. This strongly suggests a broad meltdown of reactor cores.     

Discrimination of Nuclear Explosions against Civilian Sources Based on Atmospheric Xenon Isotopic Activity Ratios

A global monitoring system for atmospheric xenon radioactivity is being established as part of the International Monitoring System that will verify compliance with the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) once the treaty has entered into force. This paper studies isotopic activity ratios to support the interpretation of observed atmospheric concentrations of ¹³⁵Xe, ^133mXe, ¹³³Xe and ^131mXe. The goal is to distinguish nuclear explosion sources from civilian releases. Simulations of nuclear explosions and reactors, empirical data for both test and reactor releases as well as observations by measurement stations of the International Noble Gas Experiment (INGE) are used to provide a proof of concept for the isotopic ratio based method for source discrimination.     

Krypton and Xenon Radionuclides Monitoring in the Northwest Region of Russia

Monitoring of Xe and Kr radionuclides was conducted from August 2006 to 30 July 2008 within the framework of ISTC Project #2133. Cherepovets City in Vologda Province and St. Petersburg were chosen as monitoring locations. Kr–Xe concentrate samples were obtained as a result of processing of several thousand m³ of atmospheric air. New results of ⁸⁵Kr monitoring show, that for last 15 years, the ⁸⁵Kr volumetric activity in the atmospheric air of the northwest region of Russia has increased approximately 50% and has achieved a level of 1.5 Bq/m³. This value correlates well with similar data for Western Europe and Japan. The xenon fraction (80–160 cm³ under STP) is adsorbed on charcoal in the ampoule, which is measured in the well of HPGe gamma detector. Minimum detectable concentration (MDC) of ¹³³Xe for this technique is 0.008 mBq/m³, and it is the most sensitive method used today. The ¹³³Xe concentration in the atmospheric air of Cherepovets City varied in the monitoring period ranging from 0.09 to 2.5 mBq/m³. During the period of March 2007–30 July 2008, ¹³³Xe activity concentration in the atmospheric air of St. Petersburg changed from background values (0.2–0.3 mBq/m³) to 185 mBq/m³ and for approximately 20% of the samples ¹³⁵Xe was also measured with the ¹³⁵Xe/¹³³Xe activity ratio varied within the range of 0.03–3.5.     

Environmental Radioxenon Levels in Europe: a Comprehensive Overview

Activity concentration data from ambient radioxenon measurements in ground level air, which were carried out in Europe in the framework of the International Noble Gas Experiment (INGE) in support of the development and build-up of a radioxenon monitoring network for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty verification regime are presented and discussed. Six measurement stations provided data from 5 years of measurements performed between 2003 and 2008: Longyearbyen (Spitsbergen, Norway), Stockholm (Sweden), Dubna (Russian Federation), Schauinsland Mountain (Germany), Bruyères-le-Châtel and Marseille (both France). The noble gas systems used within the INGE are designed to continuously measure low concentrations of the four radioxenon isotopes which are most relevant for detection of nuclear explosions: ^131mXe, ^133mXe, ¹³³Xe and ¹³⁵Xe with a time resolution less than or equal to 24 h and a minimum detectable concentration of ¹³³Xe less than 1 mBq/m³. This European cluster of six stations is particularly interesting because it is highly influenced by a high density of nuclear power reactors and some radiopharmaceutical production facilities. The activity concentrations at the European INGE stations are studied to characterise the influence of civilian releases, to be able to distinguish them from possible nuclear explosions. It was found that the mean activity concentration of the most frequently detected isotope, ¹³³Xe, was 5–20 mBq/m³ within Central Europe where most nuclear installations are situated (Bruyères-le-Châtel and Schauinsland), 1.4–2.4 mBq/m³ just outside that region (Stockholm, Dubna and Marseille) and 0.2 mBq/m³ in the remote polar station of Spitsbergen. No seasonal trends could be observed from the data. Two interesting events have been examined and their source regions have been identified using atmospheric backtracking methods that deploy Lagrangian particle dispersion modelling and inversion techniques. The results are consistent with known releases of a radiopharmaceutical facility.     

Isotopic Characterization of Radioiodine and Radioxenon in Releases from Underground Nuclear Explosions with Various Degrees of Fractionation

Both radioxenon and radioiodine are possible indicators for a nuclear explosion. Therefore, they will be, together with other relevant radionuclides, globally monitored by the International Monitoring System in order to verify compliance with the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty once the treaty has entered into force. This paper studies the temporal development of radioxenon and radioiodine activities with two different assumptions on fractionation during the release from an underground test. In the first case, only the noble gases are released, in the second case, radioiodine is released as well while the precursors remain underground. For the second case, the simulated curves of activity ratios are compared to prompt and delayed atmospheric radioactivity releases from underground nuclear tests at Nevada as a function of the time of atmospheric air sampling for concentration measurements of ¹³⁵I, ¹³³I and ¹³¹I. In addition, the effect of both fractionation cases on the isotopic activity ratios is shown in the four-isotope-plot (with ¹³⁵Xe, ^133mXe, ¹³³Xe and ^131mXe) that can be utilized for distinguishing nuclear explosion sources from civilian releases.     

Ten Years of Development of Equipment for Measurement of Atmospheric Radioactive Xenon for the Verification of the CTBT

Atmospheric measurement of radioactive xenon isotopes (radioxenon) plays a key role in remote monitoring of nuclear explosions, since it has a high capability to capture radioactive debris for a wide range of explosion scenarios. It is therefore a powerful tool in providing evidence for nuclear testing, and is one of the key components of the verification regime of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). The reliability of this method is largely based on a well-developed measurement technology. In the 1990s, with the prospect of the build-up of a monitoring network for the CTBT, new development of radioxenon equipment started. This article summarizes the physical and technical principles upon which the radioxenon technology is based and the advances the technology has undergone during the last 10 years. In contrast to previously used equipment, which was manually operated, the new generation of radioxenon monitoring equipment is designed for automated and continuous operation in remote field locations. Also the analytical capabilities of the equipment were strongly enhanced. Minimum detectable concentrations of the recently developed systems are well below 1 mBq/m³ for the key nuclide ¹³³Xe for sampling periods between 8 and 24 h. All the systems described here are also able to separately measure with low detection limits the radioxenon isotopes ^131mXe, ^133mXe and ¹³⁵Xe, which are also relevant for the detection of nuclear tests. The equipment has been extensively tested during recent years by operation in a laboratory environment and in field locations, by performing comparison measurements with laboratory type equipment and by parallel operation. These tests demonstrate that the equipment has reached a sufficiently high technical standard for deployment in the global CTBT verification regime.     

Analysis of Radionuclide Releases from the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant Accident Part II

The present part of the publication (Part II) deals with long range dispersion of radionuclides emitted into the atmosphere during the Fukushima Dai-ichi accident that occurred after the March 11, 2011 tsunami. The first part (Part I) is dedicated to the accident features relying on radionuclide detections performed by monitoring stations of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organization network. In this study, the emissions of the three fission products Cs-137, I-131 and Xe-133 are investigated. Regarding Xe-133, the total release is estimated to be of the order of 6 × 10¹⁸ Bq emitted during the explosions of units 1, 2 and 3. The total source term estimated gives a fraction of core inventory of about 8 × 10¹⁸ Bq at the time of reactors shutdown. This result suggests that at least 80 % of the core inventory has been released into the atmosphere and indicates a broad meltdown of reactor cores. Total atmospheric releases of Cs-137 and I-131 aerosols are estimated to be 10¹⁶ and 10¹⁷ Bq, respectively. By neglecting gas/particulate conversion phenomena, the total release of I-131 (gas + aerosol) could be estimated to be 4 × 10¹⁷ Bq. Atmospheric transport simulations suggest that the main air emissions have occurred during the events of March 14, 2011 (UTC) and that no major release occurred after March 23. The radioactivity emitted into the atmosphere could represent 10 % of the Chernobyl accident releases for I-131 and Cs-137.     

Modeling Noble Gas Transport and Detection for The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty

Detonation gases released by an underground nuclear test include trace amounts of ¹³³Xe and ³⁷Ar. In the context of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, On Site Inspection Protocol, such gases released from or sampled at the soil surface could be used to indicate the occurrence of an explosion in violation of the treaty. To better estimate the levels of detectability from an underground nuclear test (UNE), we developed mathematical models to evaluate the processes of ¹³³Xe and ³⁷Ar transport in fractured rock. Two models are developed respectively for representing thermal and isothermal transport. When the thermal process becomes minor under the condition of low temperature and low liquid saturation, the subsurface system is described using an isothermal and single-gas-phase transport model and barometric pumping becomes the major driving force to deliver ¹³³Xe and ³⁷Ar to the ground surface. A thermal test is simulated using a nonisothermal and two-phase transport model. In the model, steam production and bubble expansion are the major processes driving noble gas components to ground surface. After the temperature in the chimney drops below boiling, barometric pumping takes over the role as the major transport process.     

Observation and modeling of NPP for Pinus elliottii plantation in subtropical China

Based on the stem analysis of 59 individuals of Pinus elliottii in combination with tree biomass models, we calculated annual biomass increment of forest plots at Qianyanzhou Ecological Station, Chinese Academy of Sciences in subtropical China. In addition, canopy layer and community NPP were calculated based on 12 years’ litter fall data. NPP of the 21-year-old forest was estimated by using the BIOME BGC model; and both measured NPP and estimated NPP were compared with flux data. Community biomass was 10574 g · m⁻²; its distribution patterns in tree layer, shrub layer, herbaceous layer, tree root, herbaceous and shrub roots and fine roots were 7542, 480, 239, 1810, 230, 274 and 239 g · m⁻², respectively. From 1999 to 2004, the average annual growth rate and litter fall were 741 g · m⁻² · a⁻¹ (381.31 gC · m⁻² · a⁻¹) and 849 g · m⁻² · a⁻¹ (463 gC · m⁻² · a⁻¹), respectively. There was a significant correlation between annual litter fall and annual biomass increment; and the litter fall was 1.19 times the biomass increment of living trees. From 1985 to 2005, average NPP and GPP values based on BGC modeling were 630.88 (343.31–906.42 gC · m⁻² · a⁻¹) and 1 800 gC · m⁻² · a⁻¹ (1351.62–2318.26 gC · m⁻² · a⁻¹). Regression analysis showed a linear relationship (R ²=0.48) between the measured and simulated tree layer NPP values. NPP accounted for 30.2% (25.6%–32.9%) of GPP, while NEP accounted for 57.5% (48.1%–66.5%) of tree-layer NPP and 41.74% (37%–52%) of stand NPP. Soil respiration accounted for 77.0% of measured tree NPP and 55.9% of the measured stand NPP. NEE based on eddy covariance method was 12.97% higher than the observed NEP. Supported by the National Key Basic Research Special Foundation of China (Grant No. 2002CB4125), International Joint Research Project under Ministry of Science and Technology of China (Grant No. 2006DFB91920)     

Rapid dome growth at Montagne Pelée during the early stages of the 1902–1905 eruption: a reconstruction from Lacroix’s data

Information obtained from various parts of the two books on Montagne Pelée by Lacroix enables an estimate to be made of the size of l’Etang Sec summit crater, the volume of the 1902–1905 lava dome and its growth rate at various stages of development. During the week preceding the 8 May nuée ardente, dome growth was between 28 and 38 m³ s^–1, leading to a volume of 17–23×10⁶ m³ on the morning of the catastrophe. Considering that significant parts of the dome (~1/3?) were removed by the 8 and 20 May climactic eruptions, a high magmatic flux could have continued until at least 27 May, when the total remaining volume was estimated to 53×10⁶ m³. After moderate activity in June–July (of order 10 m³ s^–1), vigorous dome growth resumed dramatically, leading to the third climactic eruption of 30 August (a true calculation for this period being not feasible because of poor quality of the data). From November 1902 to July 1903 most of the effusive activity was concentrated in the great spine (erupted volume ~15×10⁶ m³, magma flux 1.2 m³ s^–1), which was eventually destroyed by collapse and minor nuées ardentes. The end of the eruption was characterized by a very low effusion rate, <1 m³ s^–1 in average from August 1903 to October 1905.     

Icequakes and glacier motion: The hans glacier,spitsbergen

The recording of glacier icequakes has been carried out on the Hans glacier, Spitsbergen. The icequakes have been connected with the formation of open cracks. The energy of the main group of icequakes has ranged from 0.01 J to 6 J, their seismic moment being from 0.5 · 10¹⁴ dyne · cm to 26 · 10¹⁴ dyne · cm. The nonelastic volume increase corresponding to each crack has ranged from 0.2 · 10⁻² m³ to 8.8 · 10⁻² m³. The stresses released due to extensional faulting ranged from 25N/m² to 500 N/m²; these values are so small that they suggest an incomplete release of the medium. The contribution into the glacier flow rate of the deformation in the surface glacier layer due to extensional faulting is lower by 2 to 3 orders of magnitude than the total plastic deformation associated with the ice creeping.     

Genesis and Equilibrium of Natural Lithospheric Radioxenon and its Influence on Subsurface Noble Gas Samples for CTBT On-site Inspections

During on-site inspections to verify the comprehensive nuclear-test-ban treaty (CTBT), soil gas samples may be taken and analysed for their content of the xenon isotopes ^131mXe, ¹³³Xe, ^133mXe and ¹³⁵Xe in order to identify a suspected underground nuclear test. These samples might contain natural radioxenon which is present as a trace gas in the ground. This work analyses the different production mechanisms of natural lithospheric radioxenon to assess theoretically the background concentration under different sampling conditions. The results imply that the equilibrium concentrations of the examined xenon isotopes can be measured in certain rock types using actual CTBTO on-site inspection equipment. Radioxenon production is dominated by spontaneous fission of ²³⁸U, resulting in a reactor-like xenon isotopic signature rather than an explosion-like signature.     

Volumetric characteristics of lava flows from interferometric radar and multispectral satellite data: the 1995 Fernandina and 1998 Cerro Azul eruptions in the western Galápagos

We have used a suite of remotely sensed data, numerical lava flow modeling, and field observations to determine quantitative characteristics of the 1995 Fernandina and 1998 Cerro Azul eruptions in the western Galápagos Islands. Flank lava flow areas, volumes, instantaneous effusion rates, and average effusion rates were all determined for these two eruptions, for which only limited syn-eruptive field observations are available. Using data from SPOT, TOPSAR, ERS-1, and ERS-2, we determined that the 1995 Fernandina flow covers a subaerial area of 6.5×10⁶ m² and has a subaerial dense rock equivalent (DRE) volume of 42×10⁶ m³. Field observations, ATSR satellite data, and the FLOWGO numerical model allow us to determine that the effusion rate declined exponentially from a high of ~60–200 m³ s^-1 during the first few hours to <5 m³ s^-1 prior to ceasing after 73 days, with a mean effusion rate of 4–16 m³ s^-1. Integrating the ATSR-derived, exponentially declining effusion rate over the eruption duration produces a total (subaerial + submarine) DRE volume of between 27 and 100×10⁶ m³, the range in values being due to differing assumptions about heat loss characteristics; only values in the higher part of this range are consistent with the independently derived subaerial volume. Using SPOT, TOPSAR, ERS-1, and ERS-2 data, we determine that the 1998 Cerro Azul flow is 16 km long, covers 16 km², and has a DRE volume of 54×10⁶ m³. FLOWGO produces at-vent velocity and effusion rate values of 11 m s^-1 and ~600 m³ s^-1, respectively. The velocity value agrees well with the 12 m s^-1 estimated in the field. The mean effusion rate (total DRE volume/duration) was 7–47 m³ s^-1. Dike dimensions, fissure lengths, and pressure gradients along the conduit based on magma chamber depth estimates of 3–5 km produce mean effusion rates for the two eruptions that range over nearly four orders of magnitude, the range being due to uncertainty in the magma viscosity, dike dimensions, and pressure gradient between magma chamber and vent. Although somewhat consistent with mean effusion rates from other techniques, their wide range makes them less useful. The exponentially declining effusion rates during both eruptions are consistent with release of elastic strain being the driving mechanism of the eruptions. Our results provide independent input parameters for previously published theoretical relationships between magma chamber pressurization and eruption rates that constrain chamber volumes and increases in volume prior to eruption, as well as time constants of exponential decay during the eruption. The results and theoretical relationships combine to indicate that at both volcanoes probably 25–30% of the volumetric increase in the magma chamber erupted as lava onto the surface. In both eruptions the lava flow volumes are less than 1% of the magma chamber volume.     

Constraining tephra dispersion and deposition from three subplinian explosions in 2011 at Shinmoedake volcano,Kyushu, Japan

Constraining physical parameters of tephra dispersion and deposition from explosive volcanic eruptions is a significant challenge, because of both the complexity of the relationship between tephra distribution and distance from the vent and the difficulties associated with direct and comprehensive real-time observations. Three andesitic subplinian explosions in January 2011 at Shinmoedake volcano, Japan, are used as a case study to validate selected empirical and theoretical models using observations and field data. Tephra volumes are estimated using relationships between dispersal area and tephra thickness or mass/area. A new cubic B-spline interpolation method is also examined. Magma discharge rate is estimated using theoretical plume models incorporating the effect of wind. Results are consistent with observed plume heights (6.4–7.3 km above the vent) and eruption durations. Estimated tephra volumes were 15–34?×?10⁶ m³ for explosions on the afternoon of 26 January and morning of 27 January, and 5.0–7.6?×?10⁶ m³ for the afternoon of 27 January; magma discharge rates were in the range 1–2?×?10⁶ kg/s for all three explosions. Clast dispersal models estimated plume height at 7.1?±?1 km above the vent for each explosion. The three subplinian explosions occurred with approximately 12-h reposes and had similar mass discharge rates and plume heights but decreasing erupted magma volumes and durations.     

The Xe-Xe spectrum technique,a new dating method

A new method to date uranium-bearing minerals exclusively by means of a mass spectrometric determination of Xe and/or Kr isotopic ratios has been developed and experimentally tested. It is based on the compositional differences between Xe produced by spontaneous fission of²³⁸U in nature and Xe from²³⁵U fission induced by thermal neutrons in a nuclear reactor. Xe is extracted in 5–10 release fractions at successively higher temperatures. This relates the radiogenic Xe contained in various structural elements of different retention characteristics to the respective U concentrations and allows to account for natural Xe losses, which are quite common. A monazite monitor mineral of known age is included in each irradiation and its Xe isotopes are measured in the same way.The samples analyzed include uranium oxides, REE phosphates, tantalum niobates, zircon and others.The results and comparisons with reported ages obtained by other means demonstrate the applicability of the new dating method for minerals with U contents up to a few percent. In age spectra the low-temperature release fractions of some samples indicate radiogenic Xe losses, while at high temperatures age plateaux can be obtained.     

A water balance model to estimate climate change impact on groundwater recharge in Yucatan Peninsula,Mexico

ABSTRACT

The aim of this paper is to estimate the effect that climate change will have on groundwater recharge at the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. The groundwater recharge is calculated from a monthly water balance model considering eight methods of potential and actual evapotranspiration. Historical data from 1961–2000 and climate model outputs from five downscaled general circulation models in the near horizon (2015–2039), with representative concentration pathway (RCP) 4.5 and 8.5 are used. The results estimate a recharge of 118 ± 33 mm·year^–1 (around 10% of precipitation) in the historical period. Considering the uncertainty from GCMs under different RCP and evapotranspiration scenarios, our monthly water balance model estimates a groundwater recharge of 92 ± 40 mm·year^–1 (RCP4.5) and 94 ± 38 mm·year^–1 (RCP8.5) which represent a reduction of 23% and 20%, respectively, a result that threatens the socio-ecological balance of the region.     

Estimating groundwater recharge using the chloride mass-balance method in the West Bank,Palestine

Abstract

The quantification of natural recharge rate is a prerequisite for efficient and sustainable groundwater resources management. Since groundwater is the only source of water supply in the West Bank, it is of utmost importance to estimate the rate of replenishment of the aquifers. The chloride mass-balance method was used to estimate recharge rates at different sites representing the three groundwater basins of the Mountain Aquifer in the West Bank. The recharge rate for the Eastern Basin was calculated as between 130.8 and 269.7 mm/year, with a total average replenishment volume of 290.3 × 10⁶ m³/year. For the Northeastern Basin, the calculated recharge rate ranged between 95.2 and 269.7 mm/year, with a total average recharge volume of 138.5 × 10⁶ m³/year. Finally, the recharge rate for the Western Basin was between 122.6 and 323.6 mm/year, with a total average recharge volume of 324.9 × 10⁶ m³/year. The data reveal a replenishment potential within the estimated replenishment volumes of previous studies for the same area. Also, the range was between 15 and 50% of total rainfall, which is still within the range of previous studies. The geological structure and the climate conditions of the western slope were clearly play an important role in the increment of total volume. In some cases, such as the geological formations in the Northeastern Basin, the interaction between Eocene and Senonian chalk formations result in minimum recharge rates.

Citation Marei, A., Khayat, S., Weise, S., Ghannam, S., Sbaih, M. & Geyer, S. (2010) Estimating groundwater recharge using the chloride mass-balance method in the West Bank, Palestine. Hydrol. Sci. J. 55(5), 780–791.     

Discrimination of Nuclear Explosions against Civilian Sources Based on Atmospheric Radioiodine Isotopic Activity Ratios

A global monitoring system for atmospheric radioactivity is being established as part of the International Monitoring System that will verify compliance with the comprehensive nuclear-test-ban treaty (CTBT) once the treaty has entered into force. This paper studies isotopic activity ratios to support the interpretation of observed atmospheric concentrations of ¹³⁵I, ¹³³I and ¹³¹I. The goal is to distinguish nuclear explosion sources from civilian releases. Simulated nuclear explosion releases along with observational data of radioiodine releases from historic nuclear explosions at the Nevada Test Site are compared to simulated light water reactor releases in order to provide a proof of concept for source discrimination based on radioiodine isotopic activity ratios.     

Analysis of Diffusion and Adsorption of Volatile Organic Compounds in Zeolites by a Single Pellet Moment Technique

The diffusion and adsorption of two common volatile organic compounds, i. e., methanol and benzene, in different zeolite pellets were studied experimentally by using the single pellet moment technique. The experiments were conducted in a one‐sided single pellet adsorption cell at different temperatures in the range between 303 and 343 K. The results showed that both volatile organic tracers were adsorbed reversibly onto all zeolite samples. The overall adsorption equilibrium constants of both volatile organic compounds decreased with increasing temperature. The adsorption of the tracers onto the zeolite samples were found to increase in the order of NaY > clinoptilolite > 4A. In the range between 303 and 343 K, the adsorption constants of benzene range from 10.51 to 5.52 for zeolite 4A, from 11.90 to 6.37 for clinoptilolite and from 20.32 to 9.82 for NaY. The adsorption constants of methanol range from 19.05 to 8.26 for zeolite 4A, from 38.40 to 9.12 for clinoptilolite and from 74.21 to 14.70 for NaY at temperatures between 303 and 333 K. The effective diffusivities for benzene varied from 2.20·10^–6 to 13.01·10^–6 m²/s, whereas for methanol, they varied from 9.80·10^–6 to 15.60·10^–6 m²/s at the temperatures studied.