Re-constructing the sedimentation and pollution signatures of Mill Creek (NSW) by ITRAX core-scanning, geochemical and radiochemistry techniques

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Date
2012-10-16
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation
Abstract
In this study, we combine ITRAX Core Scanning, Grain size and Radiochemistry (Pb-210, Cs-137 and Pu-239/240) techniques to investigate pollution and age of sedimentation in Mill Creek. The creek drains a catchment containing the Lucas Heights Waste Management facility, the Lucas Heights Science precinct and the Little Forest Burial Ground. The ITRAX core scanner non-destructively collects optical and X-radiographic images, and provides high-resolution elemental profiles that are invaluable for guiding sample selection for further detailed sampling. The core from the creek was first scanned on the ITRAX core scanner and further sampled for the other techniques. The chronology for the sediment core was developed using Pb-210, Ra-226 and Cs-137 analysis.
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Keywords
Sediments, Pollution, New South Wales, Australia, Streams, Radiochemistry, ANSTO, Radioactive waste disposal, X-ray fluorescence analysis, Radon 222, Cesium, Grain size
Citation
Gadd, P., Heijnis, H., Goralewski, J., Fierro, D., & Zawadzki, A. (2012). Re-constructing the sedimentation and pollution signatures of Mill Creek (NSW) by ITRAX core-scanning, geochemical and radiochemistry techniques. Paper presented to the 12th South Pacific Environmental Radioactivity Association Conference (SPERA 2012), Sydney, Australia, 16 October – 19 October 2012. Lucas Heights, NSW: Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation. (pp. 19).