Characterization of radiocesium-bearing microparticles with different morphologies in soil around the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant

Radiocesium-bearing microparticles (CsMPs) from Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (FDNPP) are observed in Eastern Japan. To examine their source and formation, multiple particles were isolated from soils from three sites around the FDNPP and their radioactivity, morphology, and elemental composition were analyzed. Cesium-137 radioactivity ranged from 0.23 to 8.57 Bq and particles were primarily composed of Si, Fe, Zn, C, and Cs at each site. Uranium-rich parts in certain CsMPs show their origin in the vicinity of the nuclear reactor. Our results will help characterize CsMPs and evaluate the internal dose exposure of personnel employed at the FDNPP.