Analysis of radioactive particles from the Kola Bay area

Abstract

Two types of radioactive particle were identified in marine sediment and lichen samples collected from the Kola Bay, NW Russia. The particles were identified by means of gamma-ray spectrometry and autoradiography, separated and subjected to various analysis techniques. Several complementary techniques are needed to characterise particle properties thoroughly. ¹³⁷Cs was present in the sediment matrix in large (≈100 μm) greenish particles that were most probably pieces of paint. Although their element composition was heterogeneous, ¹³⁷Cs was found to be evenly distributed. ⁶⁰Co in the lichen matrix was present in small (≈1 μm) particles. No U or transuranium elements were detected in either type of particle.