Distribution of artificial radionuclides in particle-size soil fractions

Experimental studies were carried out to evaluate the efficiency of fractional separation of radioactively contaminated soils with respect to gamma-emitting 137Cs and 241Am. The research was conducted using samples from radiation-hazardous objects (craters) located at the Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site and resulted from ground and excavation nuclear explosions. The most appropriate parameter reflecting the distribution pattern of artificial radionuclides 137Cs and 241Am across soil fractions resulting from nuclear blasts is the enrichment factor (Ef). Dry fractional separation can be recommended as a promising method for the decontamination of soils contaminated with cesium.