Analysis of radioactive particles from the Kola Bay area

Two types of radioactive particle were identified in marine sediment and li chen samples collected from the Kola Bay, NW Russia. The particles were ide ntified by means of gamma-ray spectrometry and autoradiography, separated a nd subjected to various analysis techniques. Several complementary techniqu es are needed to characterise particle properties thoroughly. Cs-137 was pr esent in the sediment matrix in large (approximate to 100 mum) greenish par ticles that were most probably pieces of paint. Although their element comp osition was heterogeneous, Cs-137 was found to be evenly distributed. Co-60 in the lichen matrix was present in small (approximate to 1 mum) particles . No U or transuranium elements were detected in either type of particle.