Distribution of 238Pu and 239240Pu in aquatic macrophytes from a midwestern watershed

Aquatic macrophytes were collected in the Great Miami River, Ohio, above and below Miamisburg and in the canal and ponds, near the Mound Laboratory, which contain sediments of a high activity (approximately 103 to 106 times) relative to the river sediments. Macrophytes collected in the river below Miamisburg have higher activities of 238Pu than those collected from above the city. Macrophytes from the canal and ponds contain high specific activities of 238Pu and 239,240Pu with the exception of cattails grown in the ponds. Concentration factors are reported and discussed with reference to possible modes of plutonium accumulation and distribution within the plants