Radioactive xenon (radioxenon) is produced by the fissioning of nuclear material, either via neutron-induced or spontaneous fission, and also via neutron activation of xenon gas and other reactions. The most abundant xenon isotopes in the atmosphere are 131mXe, 133Xe and 135Xe, having been measured at several locations in the northern hemisphere associated with reactor operation, medical isotope production, and more recently associated with the spontaneous fission of 240Pu from the legacy materials at plutonium production facility in Hanford, Washington. Radioactive xenon measurement at levels near the average atmospheric level (1-10 mBq/m3) is a “specialty” measurement, requiring specialized collection, separation, and nuclear measurement techniques. This paper describes the political and scientific drivers for making radioxenon measurements, background sources, and current techniques for these measurements.
Revised: March 10, 2011 |
Published: December 30, 2007
Citation
Bowyer T.W., J.C. Hayes, and J.I. McIntyre. 2007.ENVIRONMENTAL MEASUREMENTS OF RADIOXENON. In Environmental Radiochemical Analysis III, edited by P Warwick, 44-51. Cambridge:RSC Publishing.PNNL-SA-51637.