Content of radionuclides and persistent organic pollutants in agricultural soils after the Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident

Abstract

The results of dosimetry measurements and determination of radionuclides, pesticides, and persistent organic pollutants in agricultural soils 24 years after the Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident are reported. A comprehensive analysis of soils from nine different sites in the Oryol oblast was carried out in May, 2010. The exposure dose rate at 1 m above the ground varied from 12.3 to 20.1 mR/h, indicating a significant decrease since 1986. The annual radiation dose to the population of the villages surveyed was above the statutory level (1.3–1.8 mSv/year versus 1 mSv/year). The contents of 137Cs and 40K in soils at the examined sites ranged, respectively, from 0.09 to 0.63 and from 0.48 to 0.71 kBq/kg dry mass weight. The downward vertical migration of radionuclides deep into the soil was detected. Concurrent qualitative and quantitative measurements of pesticides and persistent organic pollutants in soil samples were performed. Pesticides were detected at all sites. Although the soil in some areas was found to contain small amounts of pollutants, the overall environmental situation can be qualified as unfavorable. It was concluded that the use of pesticides should be limited, measures should be undertaken to remove residual amounts of radionuclides, pesticides, and POPs, and conditions for environmentally friendly agricultural production should be provided.