Plutonium-239+240 and sediment yield data for a small catchment in Southern Italy

Quantifying the rates of soil redistribution worldwide poses a significant challenge, which has been addressed using various methods such as direct sediment measurements, models, and the use of isotopic, geochemical, and radionuclide tracers. Among these tracers, the isotope of Plutonium, specifically 239+240Pu, is a relatively recent addition to the study of soil redistribution. However, there is still a lack of direct validation for 239+240Pu as a tracer for soil redistribution. To address this gap, we conducted a study in Southern Italy using a unique sediment yield dataset that extends back to the initial fallout of 239+240Pu. Soil samples were collected from the catchment area as well as undisturbed reference sites, and 239+240Pu was extracted, measured using ICP-MS, and converted into soil redistribution rates.

• University of Basel

Meusburger, K., Porto, P., Kobler Waldis, J., and Alewell, C.: Validating Plutonium-239+240 as novel soil redistribution tracer - a comparison to measured sediment yield, EGUsphere, 2022, 1-22, 10.5194/egusphere-2022-1359, 2022.