Assessment of the content of tritium and its compounds in soil and vegetation in the region of nuclear power plants with VVER type reactors

Abstract

Currently, scientists pay great attention to the intake of tritium and its compounds when assessing the impact of radiation-hazardous objects on the environment and humans. Now, there are no acceptable industrial technologies for the effective capture of this radionuclide; therefore, all tritium generated during the operation of nuclear power plants enters the environment with emissions and discharges. Consequently, it leads to an increase in its concentration in environmental objects, including soil and vegetation. This fact determines the need to assess its content in the ground and vegetation. The study aims to develop a method for determining the content of tritium in soil and vegetation. To develop a methodology for assessing the content of tritium in soil and vegetation, we used the technique of preparing counting samples based on burning the selected examples in a specialized Pyrolyser 6-Trio furnace. Previously, scientists conducted some laboratory studies to assess the acceptability of this method of sample preparation. We measured the counting samples on a Tri-CARB 3180 TR/SL liquid scintillation meter. Scientists have developed and certified a method for determining tritium in soil and vegetation. Furthermore, we investigated the content of tritium and its compounds in the environment in the area of the Nuclear Power Plant based on a comprehensive assessment. Researchers found tritium content in soil and vegetation in settlements near nuclear power plants with VVER type reactors. The main routes of entry of tritium and its compounds into vegetation are the air path and the access of tritium from the ground. The presented data determine the need for systematic studies on the accumulation of tritium in environmental objects.