Plutonium and the Rio Grande

William L. Graf

ISBN 10: 0195089332 / ISBN 13: 9780195089332

Published by Oxford University Press Inc, US, 1995

About this Item

The first atomic bombs were constructed a the Los Alamos National Laboratory for the Manhattan project and other weapons programs. Waste plutonium was drained into the Rio Grande. This book studies the movement of the plutonium through the river system, and is illustrated with maps, diagrams and photographs. The analytic methods emplyed will serve as a model for application elsewhere.

Seller Inventory # LU-9780195089332

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Plutonium and the Rio Grande
• Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc, US
• Publication Date: 1995
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0195089332
• ISBN 13: 9780195089332
• Binding: Hardback
• Condition: New
• Weight: 773 grams

About this title

Synopsis

The first atomic bombs were constructed at the Los Alamos National Laboratory, where lab workers disposed of waste plutonium in nearby canyons leading to the Rio Grande. Today, the environmental consequences are just beginning to be understood as scientists examine the effects created by past mishandling of one of the most toxic chemical wastes known. Written in an engaging, accessible style, Plutonium and the Rio Grande is the first book to offer a complete exploration of this environmental history. It includes an explanation of what plutonium is, how much of it was released by the Los Alamos workers, and how much entered the river system directly from waste disposal and indirectly, as a result of atomic bomb fallout. The book includes extensive appendices, maps, diagrams, and photographs. Environmental managers, ecologists, hydrologists and other river specialists, as well as concerned general readers will find the book readable and informative.

About the Author

William L. Graf is at Arizona State University.