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Remote photoluminescence characterization of subsurface contamination


EMSL Project ID
1638

Abstract

Characterization of subsurface contamination on the Hanford Nuclear Reservation is expensive because of sample collection for offsite analysis, which itself is unacceptably slow. Excavation activities encounter expensive delays when unanticipated hazardous materials are discovered. Problem chemicals include carbon tetrachloride, chloroform, and trichlorethylene. Problem metals include Cr, Hg, Ba, Pb. Problem radioisotopes include Sr-90, Co-60, Cs-137, U, Pu and Tc. Problem pyrophoric materials include zircaloy, magnesium, calcium, and uranium machining chips. A remote real-time field screening method is needed for any and all of these. The new Event-locked Fourier transform spectroscopy technique will be adapted for remote real-time characterization of subsurface mixed hazardous waste samples. Laboratory synthesized samples will provide a library of spectroscopic signatures and will allow experiments that address the fate and transport of nuclear waste contaminants. Sample characterization by complementary techniques at UCF and PNNL will elucidate the materials science and validate the technique. Field trials will be performed at Hanford in the third year.

Project Details

Project type
Exploratory Research
Start Date
1999-07-28
End Date
2002-09-09
Status
Closed

Team

Principal Investigator

Robert Peale
Institution
University of Central Florida

Team Members

Sandra Withers-Kirby
Institution
University of Central Florida