The plutonium isotopic composition of marine biota on Enewetak Atoll: a preliminary assessment

Abstract

We have determined the level and distribution of gamma-emitting radionuclides, plutonium activity concentrations, and ²⁴⁰Pu/²³⁹Pu atom ratios in tissue samples of giant clam (Tridacna gigas and Hippopus hippopus), a top snail (Trochus nilaticas) and sea cucumber (Holothuria atra) collected from different locations around Enewetak Atoll. The plutonium isotopic measurements were performed using ultra-high sensitivity accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS). Elevated levels of plutonium were observed in the stomachs (includes the stomach lining) of Tridacna clam (0.62 to 2.98 Bq kg⁻¹, wet wt.), in the soft parts (edible portion) of top snails (0.25 to 1.7 Bq kg⁻¹, wet wt.) and, to a lesser extent, in sea cucumber (0.015 to 0.22 Bq kg⁻¹, wet wt.) relative to muscle tissue concentrations in clam (0.006 to 0.021 Bq kg⁻¹, wet wt.) and in comparison with previous measurements of plutonium in fish. These data and information provide a basis for re-evaluating the relative significance of dietary intakes of plutonium from marine foods on Enewetak Atoll and, perhaps most importantly, demonstrate that discrete ²⁴⁰Pu/²³⁹Pu isotope signatures might well provide a useful investigative tool to monitor source-term attribution and consequences on Enewetak Atoll. One potential application of immediate interest is to monitor and assess the health and ecological impacts of leakage of plutonium (as well as other radionuclides) from a low-level radioactive waste repository on Runit Island relative to background levels of fallout contamination in Enewetak Atoll lagoon.