Estimation of the Solubility of Radioactive Aerosol Particles in Biological Liquids

The solubility of the aerosol “hot” particles, sampled in 1987 in the town of Pripyat, in the simulated lung fluid (SLF) (Gamble or Ringer solution) and in 0.1 M HCl was studied under static conditions. Leaching of radionuclides from the “hot” particles in the SLF decreases in the order 137Cs > 90Sr >> 239+240Pu ≥ 241Am, and in 0.1 M HCl, in the order 90Sr > 241Am >> 137Cs > 239+240Pu. The degree of passing into 0.1 M HCl solution for 90Sr and 241Am was estimated at 3.3-21 and 2.7-17%, respectively. Depending on the particle size, 0.06-2.2% of 241Am and 0.2-1.8% of 239+240Pu passes into the SLF within 28 days.