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Quantitative assessment of the spatial distribution of 239+240Pu inventory derived from global fallout in soils from Asia and Europe

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Abstract

Due to the atmospheric nuclear weapon tests carried out, terrestrial environments have been extensively contaminated by global fallout of plutonium (Pu) worldwide. The 249+240Pu inventories in soil profiles from undisturbed and flat forest or grasslands (reference sites) mainly from Europe and Asia are considered as important background for evaluating soil erosion. Thus, we conducted a literature survey over an area extending from 2.6°W to 148.9°E and from 53.2°S to 76.6°N, with the purpose of analyzing the spatial distribution of 239+240Pu inventories and possible controlling factors. The aim of this work was to derive an empirical model of 239+240Pu inventory based on currently available 239+240Pu data, precipitation and latitude. The results show that, in general, the latitudinal distribution of 239+240Pu inventory was consistent with the UNSCEAR reports. However, the 239+240Pu inventories are higher than the UNSCEAR data, especially in the Northern Hemisphere. In addition, close relationships (at the 0.01 significance level) were identified between 239+240Pu inventories and annual precipitation and latitude. An empirical formula was therefore developed to estimate 239+240Pu inventories in soils based on latitude and precipitation data. However, future research may require more data of measured 239+240Pu inventories in soil profiles that can be used to compare, validate and improve upon the accuracy of the inferred empirical equation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Geography and Tourism, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an, 710119, China

    Liguo Cao, Zhengchao Zhou, Ning Wang & Shun Xiao

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  1. Liguo Cao
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  2. Zhengchao Zhou
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  3. Ning Wang
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  4. Shun Xiao
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Correspondence to Shun Xiao.

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Foundation: Key Technologies Research and Development Program of Shaanxi Province, No.2021ZDLSF05-02; National Natural Science Foundation of China, No.41901129; No.42101100; The Natural Science Foundation of Shaanxi Province, No.2021JM-200, No.2021JQ-313; The Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities, No.GK202001003

Author: Cao Liguo (1986–), PhD, specialized in nuclide analysis and application of radioisotope.

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Cao, L., Zhou, Z., Wang, N. et al. Quantitative assessment of the spatial distribution of 239+240Pu inventory derived from global fallout in soils from Asia and Europe. J. Geogr. Sci. 32, 605–616 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11442-022-1963-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11442-022-1963-z

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