| Abstract: | The chemical behaviour of plutonium in the hydrosphere is a subject of both great practical and intrinsic importance. The production and eventual disposal of Pu and other artificial radionuclides dictates that this be the case. The main objective of this paper is to provide a synthesis and critical examination of currently published data and interpretations on the geochemistry of Pu in natural waters and sediments. Where appropriate, an attempt is made to reinterpret published data with the aim of establishing the relationships between geochemical and biological processes and the distribution, concentration and speciation of Pu. Particular attention is paid to the question of the potential for the chemical remobilization of Pu from the solid to the aqueous phase. Approximately one third of the text deals with freshwaters (mostly lakes) while two thirds discusses the estuarine, coastal and open ocean environments. |
