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All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2023

2022 Long-Term Hydrologic Monitoring Program Report for the Rio Blanco, Colorado Site

This report presents the monitoring data collected by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Legacy Management (LM) during the 2022 sampling event at the Rio Blanco, Colorado, Site, where an underground nuclear test was conducted in 1973. The test resulted in residual radionuclide contamination at the detonation depth. The 2022 sampling event included the collection of samples from onsite groundwater wells to monitor for any potential contamination that might be attributed to the Rio Blanco nuclear tests. This report summarizes the laboratory results obtained from the sampling along with the historical results since monitoring began in the 1970s. This annual report and previous reports are available on the LM public website at https://www.energy.gov/lm/rio-blanco-colorado-site. Data collected during this and previous monitoring events are available on the Geospatial Environmental Mapping System (GEMS) website at https://gems.lm.doe.gov/#site=RBL.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2022

Environmental RNA as a Tool for Marine Community Biodiversity Assessments

Abstract Microscopic organisms are often overlooked in traditional diversity assessments due to the difficulty of identifying them based on morphology. Metabarcoding is a method for rapidly identifying organisms where Environmental DNA (eDNA) is used as a template. However, legacy DNA is problematically detected from organisms no longer in the environment during sampling. Environmental RNA (eRNA), which is only produced by living organisms, can also be collected from environmental samples and used for metabarcoding. The aim of this study was to determine differences in community composition and diversity between eRNA and eDNA templates for metabarcoding. Using mesocosms containing field-collected communities from an estuary, RNA and DNA were co-extracted from sediment, libraries were prepared for two loci (18S and COI), and sequenced using an Illumina MiSeq. Results show a higher number of unique sequences detected from eRNA in both markers and higher α-diversity compared to eDNA. Significant differences between eRNA and eDNA for all β-diversity metrics were also detected. This study is the first to demonstrate community differences detected with eRNA compared to eDNA from an estuarine system and illustrates the broad applications of eRNA as a tool for assessing benthic community diversity, particularly for environmental conservation and management applications.

Giroux, Marissa S.↗
DOE OSTI2026

ZTF SN Ia DR2 follow-up: Exploring the origin of the Type Ia supernova host galaxy step through Si II velocities

The relation between Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) and the stellar masses of their host galaxy is well documented. In particular, Hubble residuals display a distinct luminosity shift based on host mass. This is known as the mass step. This effect is widely used as an additional correction factor in the standardisation of SN Ia luminosities. We investigate the Hubble residuals and the mass step of normal SNe Ia in the context of Si IIλ6355 velocities based on 277 normal SNe Ia that are near their peak in the second data release (DR2) of the Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF). We divided the sample into high-velocity (HV) and normal-velocity (NV) SNe Ia, separated at 12,000 km s −1 . This produced a sample of 70 HV and 207 NV objects. We then explored potential environment- and/or progenitor-related effects by investigating the Si IIλ6355 velocities with parameters such as the light-curve stretch x 1 , the colour c, and the host galaxy properties. Although we only find a marginal difference between the Hubble residuals of HV and NV SNe Ia, the NV mass step is 0.149 ± 0.024 mag (6.3σ). The HV mass step is smaller, 0.046 ± 0.041 mag (1.1σ), and is consistent with zero. The difference between the NV and HV mass steps is modest, at ∼2.2σ. Moreover, the clearest subtype difference appears for SNe in central regions (d DLR < 1), where NV SNe Ia show a large mass step, whereas HV SNe Ia are consistent with no step, yielding a difference of 3.1–3.6σ between NV and HV SNe Ia. We observe a host-colour step for both subtypes. NV SNe Ia show a step of 0.142 ± 0.024 mag (5.9σ), while HV SNe Ia show a step of 0.158 ± 0.042 mag (3.8σ), where the HV SNe Ia step appears to be larger, but the significance is lower because the sample size is smaller. Overall, the NV and HV colour steps are statistically consistent. HV SNe Ia also show modest (∼2.5–3σ) steps in certain subsets, such as those in outer regions (d DLR > 1), whereas NV SNe display stronger environmental trends. Our results indicate that NV SNe Ia appear to be more environmentally sensitive, particularly in central likely metal-rich and older regions, while HV SNe Ia show weaker and subset-dependent trends. This suggests that applying a universal mass-step correction might introduce biases, and that incorporating refined classifications and/or environment-dependent factors, such as the location within the host, might improve future cosmological analyses beyond the standard x 1 and c cuts.

supernovae: general↗
DOE OSTI2020

Summary Report For The Analysis Of The Sludge Batch 7b (Macrobatch 9) DWPF Pour Stream Glass Sample For Canister S04023 (Rev. 1)

In order to comply with the Defense Waste Processing Facility (DWPF) Waste Form Compliance Plan for Sluldge Batch 7b, Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) personnel characterized the Defense Waste Processing Facility (DWPF) pour stream (PS) glass sample collected while filling canister S04023. This report summarizes the results of the compositional analysis for reportable oxides and radionuclides and the normalized Product Consistency Test (PCT) results. The PCT responses indicate that the DWPF produced glass that is significantly more durable than the Environmental Assessment glass.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2024

Annual Site Environment Report for Calendar Year 2023 - Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory

This report provides the US Department of Energy (DOE) and the public with information on the level of radioactive and non-radioactive pollutants (if any) that are added to the environment as a result of Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory’s (PPPL) operations. This report fulfills the annual public reporting requirements of DOE Order 231.1B. The results of PPPL’s 2023 environmental surveillance and monitoring program are presented and discussed. The report also summarizes environmental initiatives, assessments, and community involvement programs that were undertaken in 2023. This report provides the US Department of Energy (DOE) and the public with information on the level of radioactive and non-radioactive pollutants (if any) that are added to the environment as a result of Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory’s (PPPL) operations. This report fulfills the annual public reporting requirements of DOE Order 231.1B. The results of PPPL’s 2023 environmental surveillance and monitoring program are presented and discussed. The report also summarizes environmental initiatives, assessments, and community involvement programs that were undertaken in 2023. In 2023, PPPL’s radiological environmental monitoring program measured tritium in the air at onsite sampling stations. Using highly sensitive air monitors, PPPL is capable of detecting small changes in the ambient levels of tritium. The operation of monitors located on D-site is used to demonstrate compliance with the National Emission Standard for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAPs) regulations. Also included in PPPL’s radiological environmental monitoring program, are water monitoring – ground, surface, and waste waters. PPPL’s radiological monitoring program characterized the background levels of tritium in the environment and those data are presented in this report. Ground water monitoring continued under New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s (NJDEP) Site Remediation Program regulations. PPPL monitored for non-radiological contaminants, mainly volatile organic compounds (components of common degreasing solvents). In 2023, PPPL complied with permit limits for surface water and sanitary wastewater discharges. PPPL was honored with an award for EPEAT-certified electronics purchasing from the Global Electronics Council on July 27, 2023.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2025

Argonne National Laboratory Site Environmental Report for Calendar Year 2024

This report discusses the status and accomplishments of the environmental protection program at Argonne National Laboratory for calendar year 2024. The status of Argonne environmental protection activities with respect to compliance with the various laws and regulations is discussed, along with environmental management, efficiency efforts, environmental corrective actions, and habitat restoration. To evaluate the effects of Argonne operations on the environment, samples of environmental media collected on the site, at the site boundary, and off the Argonne site were analyzed and compared with applicable guidelines and standards. A variety of radionuclides were measured in air, surface water, groundwater, and bottom sediment samples. In addition, chemical constituents in surface water, groundwater, and wastewater were analyzed. External penetrating radiation doses were measured, and the potential for radiation exposure to off-site population groups and on-site members of the public was estimated. Results are interpreted with respect to the origin of radioactive and chemical substances (i.e., natural, Argonne, and other) and are compared with applicable standards intended to protect human health and the environment. A U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) dose calculation methodology, based on International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) recommendations and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) CAP 88 computer code, was used in preparing this report.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2025

Emerging Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Tap Water from the American Healthy Homes Survey II

Humans experience widespread exposure to anthropogenic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) through various media, which can lead to a wide range of negative health impacts. Tap water is an important source of exposure in communities with any degree of contamination but routine or large-scale PFAS monitoring often depends on targeted analytical methods limited to measuring specific PFAS. We analyzed 680 tap water samples from the American Healthy Homes Survey II for PFAS using non-targeted analysis (NTA) to expand the range of detectable PFAS. Based on detection frequency and relative abundance, about half of the identified PFAS were found only by NTA. We identified (with varying degrees of confidence) 75 distinct PFAS, including 57 exclusively detected by NTA. The identified PFAS are members of seven structural subclasses differentiated by their head groups and degree of fluorination. Clustering analysis categorized the PFAS into four coabundance groups dominated by specific PFAS subclasses. One group uniquely identified by NTA contains zwitterionic PFAS and other PFAS transformation products which are likely associated with aqueous firefighting foam contaminants in a small number of spatially correlated samples. These results help further characterize the scope of exposure to emerging PFAS experienced by the U.S. population via tap water and augment nationwide targeted-PFAS monitoring programs.

63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTAN↗
DOE OSTI2021

Surfactants and cloud droplet activation: A systematic extension of Köhler theory based on analysis of droplet stability

The activation of aerosol particles to form cloud droplets, a necessary first step in cloud formation, controls much of the impact that aerosols have on clouds and climate. Recently, there has been a surge of interest in extending the Köhler theory of cloud droplet activation to include surface active (typically organic) as well as water-soluble (typically inorganic) aerosol components, but a systematic framework for doing this has yet to be developed. Here, we apply a droplet stability analysis to this end. Ideal and Szyszkowski–Langmuir surfactant models are analyzed to demonstrate the new approach, but the underlying theoretical framework is fundamental and model free. A key finding is that superficial densities at the cloud activation threshold (Köhler maximum) are significantly sub-monolayer, with fractional coverage ranging from 69% to 85% for the organic compounds and mixtures studied. The result, significant for model inventories of cloud condensation nuclei, is a weakening of the surfactant effect relative to expectations based on bulk sample measurements. Analytical results are obtained for the loci of Köhler maxima and applied to aerosol mixtures containing an arbitrary number of water-soluble and surfactant components.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2021

Genetic and behavioral adaptation of Candida parapsilosis to the microbiome of hospitalized infants revealed by in situ genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics

Background Candida parapsilosis is a common cause of invasive candidiasis, especially in newborn infants, and infections have been increasing over the past two decades. C. parapsilosis has been primarily studied in pure culture, leaving gaps in understanding of its function in a microbiome context. Results. Here, we compare five unique C. parapsilosis genomes assembled from premature infant fecal samples, three of which are newly reconstructed, and analyze their genome structure, population diversity, and in situ activity relative to reference strains in pure culture. All five genomes contain hotspots of single nucleotide variants, some of which are shared by strains from multiple hospitals. A subset of environmental and hospital-derived genomes share variants within these hotspots suggesting derivation of that region from a common ancestor. Four of the newly reconstructed C. parapsilosis genomes have 4 to 16 copies of the gene RTA3, which encodes a lipid translocase and is implicated in antifungal resistance, potentially indicating adaptation to hospital antifungal use. Time course metatranscriptomics and metaproteomics on fecal samples from a premature infant with a C. parapsilosis blood infection revealed highly variable in situ expression patterns that are distinct from those of similar strains in pure cultures. For example, biofilm formation genes were relatively less expressed in situ, whereas genes linked to oxygen utilization were more highly expressed, indicative of growth in a relatively aerobic environment. In gut microbiome samples, C. parapsilosis co-existed with Enterococcus faecalis that shifted in relative abundance over time, accompanied by changes in bacterial and fungal gene expression and proteome composition. Conclusions The results reveal potentially medically relevant differences in Candida function in gut vs. laboratory environments, and constrain evolutionary processes that could contribute to hospital strain persistence and transfer into premature infant microbiomes.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2023

Competition between Dissolved Organic Matter and Freshwater Plankton Control Methylmercury Isotope Fractionation during Uptake and Photochemical Demethylation

Isotope fractionation related to photochemical reactions and planktonic uptake at the base of the food web is a major uncertainty in the biological application of mercury (Hg) stable isotopes. In freshwater systems, it is unclear how competitive interactions among methylmercury (MeHg), dissolved organic matter (DOM), and phytoplankton govern the magnitude of mass-dependent and mass-independent fractionation. This study investigated how DOM alters rates of planktonic MeHg uptake and photodegradation and corresponding Hg isotope fractionation in the presence of freshwater phytoplankton species, Raphidocelis subcapitata. Outdoor sunlight exposure experiments utilizing R. subcapitata were performed in the presence of different DOM samples using environmentally relevant ratios of MeHg-DOM thiol groups. The extent of Δ199Hg in phytoplankton incubations (2.99‰ St. Louis River HPOA, 1.88‰ Lake Erie HPOA) was lower compared to paired abiotic control experiments (4.29 and 2.86‰, respectively) after ~30 h of irradiation, resulting from cell shading or other limiting factors reducing the extent of photodemethylation. Although the Δ 199 Hg/Δ 201 Hg ratio was uniform across experiments (~1.4), Δ 199 Hg/δ 202 Hg slopes varied dramatically (from -0.96 to 15.4) across incubations with R. subcapitata and DOM. In addition, no evidence of Hg isotope fractionation was observed within R. subcapitata cells. This study provides a refined examination of Hg isotope fractionation markers for key processes occurring in the lower food web prior to bioaccumulation, critical for accurately accounting for the photochemical processing of Hg isotopes across a wide spectrum of freshwater systems.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2021

Fluorescence Assay for Tolyporphins Amidst Abundant Chlorophyll in Crude Cyanobacterial Extracts

Abstract Tolyporphins are distinctive tetrapyrrole natural products found singularly in a filamentous cyanobacterial‐microbial holobiont (termed HT‐58‐2) from Micronesia. The absorption and fluorescence features of tolyporphins resemble those of chlorophyll a , complicating direct analysis of culture samples. Treatment of the crude (unfractionated) organic extract (CH 2 Cl 2 /2‐propanol, 1:1) of HT‐58‐2 cultures with NaBH 4 in methanol causes reduction of the peripheral ketone auxochromes, whereupon tolyporphins (predominantly 7,17‐dioxobacteriochlorins) exhibit a bathochromic shift ( λ abs ˜ 676 → ˜ 700 nm) and chlorophyll a (a 13 1 ‐oxochlorin) exhibits a hypsochromic shift ( λ abs 665 → 634 nm). Fluorescence excitation spectroscopy (at 368 and 491 nm with λ em 710 nm) enabled detection of reduced tolyporphins amidst abundant reduced chlorophyll a (1:19 ratio), a detection sensitivity >5 times that without reduction. The resulting assay combines simple sample preparation from non‐axenic cultures at microscale quantities (2 mL, 2 μ m ), absence of any fractionation procedures, and fluorescence detection. Tolyporphins were readily detected in cultures of HT‐58‐2 at reasonable growth periods in the absence of environmental stressors, which was not possible previously.

Nguyen, Kathy‐Uyen↗
DOE OSTI2020

Product consistency test results for the LAW Phase 4 gases

In this report, the Savannah River National Laboratory provides chemical analysis of Product Consistency Test (PCT) leachates from a series of simulated nuclear waste glasses fabricated at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL). The series included quenched and canister-centerline cooled (CCC) versions of the glasses. The resulting data will be used in the development of enhanced property/composition models for waste vitrification at Hanford. For some of the glass leachates, minor scatter among the triplicate values of some analytes were observed. For other leachates, there were more significant differences among the triplicate values. A review of the PCT data noted that there was little difference between the normalized values based on targeted or measured glass composition. Several of the study glasses have normalized concentration of element “i” (NCi) values that are greater than the Hanford Tank Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant immobilized low-activity waste constraint of 4 g/L for boron (B), sodium (Na), and silicon (Si). The results of these glasses will help ensure the ability of advanced glass performance models to appropriately predict acceptable compositions. For the study glasses with NCi values exceeding 4 g/L, the CCC heat treatment samples had generally lower NCi values than quenched samples. The samples of the Environmental Assessment (EA) reference glass included with each PCT set had generally consistent NCi values. The release rates for boron (B), potassium (K), lithium (Li), sodium (Na), and silicon (Si) were highly correlated for the study glasses.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Long-term trends in connected thermostat performance

Internet-connected thermostats (CTs) control heating and cooling systems in about 30% of North American homes, and capture half of annual thermostat sales. In 2017 the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency created a program to certify the performance of ENERGY STAR® Connected Thermostats. To demonstrate compliance with energy-saving criteria, thermostat vendors must submit performance summaries for a representative sample of up to 1250 homes. Vendors must then re-submit results from a new, representative sample every six months in order to maintain their ENERGY STAR certification. This procedure has created a unique record of each thermostat’s long-term performance in response to changes in weather, customer demographics, building stock, and algorithms. Our analysis covers submissions from 13 different vendors, who submitted data up to 7 times over four years. We found that these semi-annual samples generated relatively stable trends for comfort temperatures and Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) runtimes over the study period. However, some vendors achieved consistently more energy-conserving comfort temperatures and shorter HVAC runtimes than others. The most recent submission runtimes averaged 700 hours for heating and 1,300 hours for cooling, but some vendors achieved runtimes as much as 17% below the mean. This implies lower energy consumption is due in large part to more successful algorithms and control strategies used by those vendors.

Meier, Alan↗
DOE OSTI2021

Interaction of Soil Microbes with Organoclays and their Impact on the Immobilization of Hg under Aerobic Conditions

Immobilization of mercury (Hg) leaching from bank soils of East Fork Poplar Creek (EFPC) is considered part of remediation strategies to mitigate the amount of Hg entering the creek. Different approaches are currently being evaluated, such as utilizing engineered sorbents to immobilize Hg species in EFPC bank soils. However, the influence of environmental microbes on the immobilization of Hg by sorbents is unknown. Organocation-modified phyllosilicate clay minerals (organoclays) are widely used as sorbents for the immobilization of contaminants. This study evaluates the interactions of Serratia marcescens and Burkholderia thailandensis with the sorbent Organoclay PM-199 and their impact on the immobilization of Hg under aerobic conditions. We evaluated the competitive binding of Hg between sorbents and selected microorganisms in a series of pure culture studies using bacterial strains identified in EFPC bank soil samples. Our results suggest that Hg sorption by Organoclay PM-199 is not significantly impacted by common soil bacteria present in EFPC, specifically Serratia marcescens and Burkholderia thailandensis, which are known to form biofilms. These findings suggest that sorbent amendments are an effective strategy for the remediation of Hg contamination in natural ecosystems.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2023

FY23 Update: Surface Sampling Activities for the Canister Deposition Field Demonstration

This report describes the results of a field demonstration of the proposed surface sampling techniques and plan for the multi-year Canister Deposition Field Demonstration (CDFD). The CDFD will evaluate salt deposition rates on three commercial 32PTH2 NUHOMS welded stainless steel storage canisters in Advanced Horizontal Storage Modules. Exposure testing is planned for up to 10 years and will incorporate periodic surface sampling campaigns. The goal of the planned dust sampling and analysis is to determine important environmental parameters that impact the potential occurrence of stress corrosion cracking on spent nuclear fuel (SNF) dry storage canisters. Specifically, measured dust deposition rates and deposited particle sizes will improve parameterization of dust deposition models employed to predict the potential occurrence and timing of stress corrosion cracks on the stainless steel SNF canisters. Previously, a preliminary sampling plan was developed, identifying possible sampling locations on the canister surfaces and sampling intervals; possible sampling methods were also described. Building from previous work, this report documents hand sampling from a spent nuclear fuel canister on a transfer skid mockup designed by Sandia National Laboratories. The sampling took place from a boom lift and salts were collected from mounted sample plates. The results of these efforts are presented in this report and compared to previous laboratory-controlled tests. The information obtained from the CDFD will be critical for ongoing efforts to develop a detailed understanding of the potential for stress corrosion cracking of SNF dry storage canisters.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Skyfall: Signal Fusion from a Smartphone Falling from the Stratosphere

A smartphone plummeted from a stratospheric height of 36 km, providing a near-real-time record of its rapid descent and ground impact. An app recorded and streamed useful internal multi-sensor data at high sample rates. Signal fusion with external and internal sensor systems permitted a more detailed reconstruction of the Skyfall chronology, including its descent speed, rotation rate, and impact deceleration. Our results reinforce the potential of smartphones as an agile and versatile geophysical data collection system for environmental and disaster monitoring IoT applications. We discuss mobile environmental sensing capabilities and present a flexible data model to record and stream signals of interest. The Skyfall case study can be used as a guide to smartphone signal processing methods that are transportable to other hardware platforms and operating systems.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2020

Challenges and Practical Solutions for Conducting Structural MARSSIM Surveys in Elevated Radon Environments - 20413

The Multi-Agency Radiation Survey and Site Investigation Manual (MARSSIM) [1] provides comprehensive guidance for the development and implementation of radiological surveys conducted to demonstrate compliance with a dose- or risk-based cleanup goal during final status survey. The MARSSIM methodology follows an integrated strategy combining direct measurements and sampling to assess uniform residual contamination, and scanning surveys to identify localized areas of elevated activity. Building surveys assessing residual surface contamination present unique challenges from reliance on field measurements that may be subject to less than ideal environmental conditions. Additionally, limited characterization and excessive conservatism incorporated into the conceptual site model may result in derived concentration guideline levels (DCGL) and, as a consequence of relatively inefficient field instrumentation, corresponding attributable count rates generally comparable to background. The presence of elevated ambient radon concentrations and associated progeny deposition both exacerbate these intrinsic survey challenges and introduce a series of technical, logistic, and administrative obstacles that can wreak havoc on the statistical legitimacy of each component of the MARSSIM process. Short-lived radon progeny including polonium-218, lead-214, bismuth-214, and polonium-214 produce excessive alpha and beta radiation that may decrease instrument sensitivity through an increase in background count rates, and, at worst, may result in incorrect survey unit failure through the simulation of residual surface activity. Aside from the obvious solution of exhaustive radon mitigation, the primary objectives are to distinguish between radon progeny deposition and actual surface activity, and collect sufficient defensible data. The following is a technical discussion of the consequences of performing building MARSSIM surveys in the presence of elevated ambient radon atmospheres, conceptual examples, and an overview of practical strategies to minimize the effects of radon interference while collecting sufficient defensible data to complete the survey. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2025

Evaluation of Properties for Microsample Identification

A study was conducted to determine if individual particle characteristics could be used to identify particles of interest, sub-samples, from bulk post-detonation debris. Three archived post-detonation debris samples were used for this effort. Particles from these samples were identified as active (produced fission tracks), and inactive (did not produce fission tracks), as the first defining characteristic. Morphology was the secondary characteristic to select particles for further study, i.e. spherical/non-spherical. Once particles were identified and isolated, they were characterized by optical microscopy for size in µm, number of fission tracks, morphology, transmitted light color, and reflected light color. Particles were then analyzed by scanning electron microscopy for morphology, elemental content, and compound identification. Raman spectroscopy was attempted on five particles with indeterminate results due to environmental mixing (heterogeneity) during the events of particle formation. Once all non-destructive analyses were completed all particles were analyzed by thermal ionization mass spectrometry to determine isotopic atom percents of plutonium and uranium, and an estimate of atoms of plutonium and uranium in each particle. An estimate of the ratio of uranium to plutonium was also obtained (U/Pu). Data analytics of the data from the particles showed that combining characteristics of the particles have a high probability of identifying particles of interest from bulk post-detonation debris samples. Please note that this version of the report is an abridged version of the full report (Wagnon et al. 2025) that has been edited to be appropriate for public release.

38 RADIATION CHEMISTRY, RADIOCHEMISTRY, AND NUCLEA↗