Unusual Plutonium Isotopes Found in Southern Glaciers
Researchers from the Institute of Nuclear Physics PAN have discovered unprecedented plutonium isotope anomalies in cryoconite samples from Southern Hemisphere glaciers, potentially linked to the 1996 Mars-96 spacecraft crash. The study, which analyzed samples from 49 glaciers worldwide, found higher plutonium concentrations in the Northern Hemisphere, reflecting historical nuclear tests. The findings highlight the role of cryoconite in accumulating radioactive contaminants, posing ecological risks and offering insights into pollutant diffusion.