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What will be the effects of strange ‘spheres’ of radioactive material from Fukushima?

Scientists: ‘Spheres’ of radioactive material from Fukushima reported for first time — Ball-like particles composed of cesium, iron, zinc — Solid and insoluble in water — Impact on human health needs to be examined (PHOTOS) http://enenews.com/scientists-spheres-radioactive-material-fukushima-reported-first-time-ball-like-particles-composed-cesium-iron-zinc-solid-insoluble-water-impact-human-health-be-examined-photos

Title: Emission of spherical cesium-bearing particles from an early stage of the Fukushima nuclear accident
Source: Scientific Reports (Nature Publishing Group)
Authors: Kouji Adachi, Mizuo Kajino, Yuji Zaizen & Yasuhito Igarashi
:Aug. 30, 2013

The Fukushima nuclear accident released radioactive materials into the environment over the entire Northern Hemisphere […] we still do not know the exact physical and chemical properties of the radioactive materials. This study directly observed spherical Cs-bearing particles emitted during a relatively early stage (March 14-15) of the accident. In contrast to the Cs-bearing radioactive materials that are currently assumed, these particles are larger, contain Fe, Zn, and Cs, and are water insoluble. Our simulation indicates that the spherical Cs-bearing particles mainly fell onto the ground by dry deposition. The finding of the spherical Cs particles will be a key to understand the processes of the accident and to accurately evaluate the health impacts and the residence time in the environment.

[…] Although the accident has global impacts, we still do not know exactly what happened in the reactors during the accident […]

We measured the radioactive materials that were collected in the filter at ground level on March 14-15 […] we counted approximately 100 spots caused by radioactive materials, suggesting a concentration of approximately 10 radioactive particles per m³. […]

This study reports for the first time the presence of spherical radioactive Cs-bearing particles emitted from the FNPP during a relatively early stage (March 14-15) of the accident. The particles coexist with Fe, Zn, and possibly other elements, and their diameters are approximately 2 μm. Because these elements were evenly distributed within the particle, we conclude that they are internally mixed and form an alloy. […] Due to its spherical shape and composition, the particle is likely solid and is largely insoluble in water. […]

The spherical Cs-bearing particles likely have longer retention times on the land surface than those of the water-soluble Cs particles. The retention time of the particles in the soil or other environments needs to be reconsidered.
See also: Journal: Unprecedented phenomenon from using saltwater in Fukushima reactors — Forming new uranium compounds able to travel long distances… “like carbon buckyballs”

October 26, 2013 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | 2 WORLD, environment, Fukushima 2013