Oxidation of molecular tritium by intact soils

Abstract

The effects of environmental factors on the rate of oxidation of molecular tritium (T/sub 2/) to tritiated water (HTO) were determined for intact soils during field exposures. Maximum deposition velocities of approximately 0.03 cm/sec were measured for T/sub 2/ at low wind speeds for a variety of soils over a wide range of conditions. Deposition velocities were slightly inhibited in wet soils and at 0/sup 0/C. In dry soils, oxidation of T/sub 2/ to HTO occurred deeper in the soil profile, but deposition velocities were unaffected.