From crisis to recovery: scientific endeavors of the Institute of Agroecology and Environmental Management of the NAAS of Ukraine in minimizing the consequences of the Chornobyl accident

Abstract

The participation of scientists from the Institute of Agroecology and Nature Management of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine in mitigating and minimizing the consequences of the Chornobyl disaster during 1986–2024 is elucidated. It is demonstrated that the history of the development of radioecological research at the Institute originates from the early days following the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant accident. Actually, from this time onwards, the monitoring of radiation in agricultural lands affected by accidents has begun. One of the most crucial directions of work during this period was conducting of aerial and ground radiation reconnaissance. Active efforts were made in radioecological monitoring and dosimetric control of the population. The radioactive contamination of the territory was analyzed based on landscape, basin, and landscape-geochemical principles, upon which maps of radiation contamination of the territory for 137Cs, 90Sr, and 94Pu were compiled. During the remote period of Chornobyl disaster aftermath, the team of the unit was engaged in developing countermeasures for various types of economic activities in conditions of radioactive contamination, taking into account modern trends in the development of the natural-economic complex and new economic conditions based on landscape-ecological approach. Analysis of the results of scientific activities of the institution’s staff indicates that during the post-accident period, the team of radioecologists gathered and systematized significant volumes of information, which were transformed into various databases, cartographic materials, mathematical models, methodological recommendations, regulations, drafts of normative documents, and so forth. Information was provided on the contribution of the Institute’s employees to the development of radioecology, restoration of agricultural production on radioactively contaminated lands, and rehabilitation of territories affected by the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant accident. Furthermore, contemporary radioecological problems and threats posed by the full-scale military aggression of Russia against Ukraine were outlined, including its violation of all seven principles of radiation safety, as well as potential radiation-related hazards in the future.