Deposition of atmospheric 210Pb and total beta activity in Finland

Abstract

The seasonal and regional variation of the atmospheric 210Pb deposition in Finland was studied. The 210Pb activity concentration in precipitation shows a decreasing trend from southeastern Finland north-westwards. An average deposition of 40 Bq/m2 during a 12 months period was observed. The deposition of 210Pb shows a seasonal variation with minimum in spring and maximum in autumn and winter. The specific activity of 210Pb (activity of 210Pb per unit mass of stable lead) in the atmosphere has returned to the level prior to World War II owing to the reduced lead emissions into the atmosphere.