Preconcentration of plutonium radionuclides from natural waters

A large-volume water sampler using manganese dioxide impregnated cartridges for the in situ separation of plutonium in seawater and groundwater was studied. Plutonium concentrations obtained by this technique are compared with a radiochemical coprecipitation method. Consistent results were obtained between the two methods for water samples from the Pacific Ocean and Eniwetok lagoon. Different results were noted from samples collected in the Eniwetok reef and groundwater stations. We were able to demonstrate, using this preconcentration technique and the coprecipitation method, that the physical-chemical characteristics of Pu in Eniwetok reef and groundwater are different from the lagoon and open ocean