Plutonium isotopes in the atmosphere of Central Europe: Isotopic composition and time evolution vs. circulation factors

This paper reports evidence of Pu isotopes in the lower part of the troposphere of Central Europe. The data were obtained based on atmospheric aerosol fraction samples collected from four places in three countries (participating in the informal European network known as the Ring of Five (Ro5)) forming a cell with a surface area of about 200,000km2. We compared our original data sets from Krakow (Poland, 1990–2007) and Bialystok (Poland, 1991–2007) with the results from two other locations, Prague (Czech Republic; 1997–2004) and Braunschweig (Germany; 1990–2003) to find time evolution of the Pu isotopes. The levels of the activity concentration for 238Pu and for (239+240)Pu were estimated to be a few and some tens of nBqm−3, respectively. However, we also noted some results were much higher (even about 70 times higher) than the average concentration of 238Pu in the atmosphere. The achieved complex data sets were used to test a new approach to the problem of solving mixing isotopic traces from various sources (here up to three) in one sample. Results of our model, supported by mesoscale atmospheric circulation parameters, suggest that Pu from nuclear weapon accidents or tests and nuclear burnt-up fuel are present in the air. [Display omitted] •Evidence of Pu isotopes in the lower part of the troposphere of Central Europe•The effective annual doses associated with Pu inhalation•New approach to the problem of solving mixed Pu origins in one sample (3SM)•Relationship between Pu isotopes activity concentration and circulation factors