Vertical distribution and migration of global fallout Pu in forest soils in southwestern China

Soil samples collected in southwestern China were analyzed for Pu isotopes. The 240Pu/239Pu atom ratios were around 0.18, which indicated the dominant source of global fallout. Consistent sub-surface maximums followed by exponential decline of 239+240Pu activities in the soil cores were observed. Most of the Pu has still remained in the 0–10 cm layers since its deposition. Convection velocities and dispersion coefficients for Pu migration in the soils were estimated by the convection–dispersion equation (CDE) model. The effective convection velocities and effective dispersion coefficients ranged from 0.05 to 0.11 cm/y and from 0.06 to 0.29 cm2/y, respectively. Other factors that control the vertical migration of Pu in soil besides precipitation, soil particle size distribution and organic matter were suggested. Long-term migration behaviors of Pu in the soils were simulated. The results provide the Pu background baseline for further environmental monitoring and source identification of non-global fallout Pu inputs in the future. •Pu isotopes in the soil cores collected in southwestern China were analyzed.•Background baseline data of Pu isotopes in the soils were given.•Parameters of convection–dispersion equation model for Pu migration were estimated.•Long-term migration behavior of Pu in soil was simulated.