Content Of Artificial Radionuclides Research Articles

Estimation of the level of anthropogenic impact based on the determination of radionuclides and heavy metals in sediments taken from Rybnik reservoir, Poland

The aim of the study was to estimate the degree of anthropogenic risk by evaluating the level of the contamination of sediments collected from the Rybnik reservoir. The results of the determination of radionuclides (137Cs, 40K, 228Th, 228Ra, 226Ra, 210Pb, 238U) and heavy metals (Zn, Cd, Pb, Cu, Cr, Ni) were presented. The Rybnik reservoir is located in a highly urbanised area, the Lower Silesian Voivodeship in Poland. Radionuclides (137Cs, 40K, 228Th, 228Ra, 226Ra, 210Pb, 238U) were measured using gamma spectrometry. The heavy metal (Zn, Cd, Pb, Cu, Ni and Cr) content was determined using an inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrophotometer (ICP-OES). The classification of sediment pollution was made on the basis of geochemical and ecotoxicological indices. Radioactivity was varied with the highest for 40K (more than 200 Bq·kg−1). The concentrations for the remaining radionuclides were mostly below 20 Bq·kg−1. At the inlet zone (no. 9) an increase in radioactivity of each radioisotope was observed. The values of heavy metals from the lowest to the highest total amount in the sediments were as follows: Cd < Cr < Pb < Ni < Cu < Zn. The sediments of the reservoir are largely contaminated with Cu, but the sediments generally are contaminated to an average degree. Most pollutants accumulate in the inlet zone and near the dam wall. The content of artificial radionuclides, as well as the geochemical and ecological indicators used, can serve as an indicator of the level of anthropopressure in the vicinity of the Rybnik reservoir.

Influence of operation of thermal and fast reactors of the Beloyarsk NPP on the radioecological situation in river ecosystems

The results of long-term radioecological monitoring of seven rivers in the 15-km zone of influence of the Beloyarsk Nuclear Power Plant have been presented. A comparative analysis of the content of a wide range of natural and artificial radionuclides in the main components of river ecosystems: surface waters, bottom sediments, floodplain soils, macrophytes and ichthyofauna has been made. The influence of waste technological waters of thermal (AMB-100 and AMB-200) and fast (BN-600 and BN-800) reactors of the Beloyarsk NPP on the content of radiologically significant isotopes in the water and bottom sediments of the Pyshma and Olkhovka rivers has been evaluated. It has been studied that the transition from thermal to fast reactors contributed to a significant decrease in the intake of artificial radionuclides into the rivers of the area where the Beloyarsk NPP is located. So, in the water of the Olkhovka river for the period 1978–2019 the decrease in the specific activity of 137Cs was 480, 3H - 36, 90Sr - 3.5 times. The maximum discharge of artificial radioisotopes into river ecosystems was noted during the period of recovery work after emergencies at the AMB-100 and AMB-200 reactors. In recent years, the content of artificial radionuclides in water, macrophytes and ichthyofauna of rivers in the zone of influence of the Beloyarsk NPP, except for the Olkhovka, is at the level of the regional background.

Calibration of an airborne γ-ray spectrometer based on an unmanned aerial vehicle using a point source

Due to the lack of physical calibration models of artificial radionuclides for airborne γ-ray spectrometers, it is difficult to accurately deduce the content of artificial radionuclides on the ground based on airborne γ-ray spectrometry. According to the airborne radiation monitoring standard of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and domestic and foreign industry experience, a calibration method for an airborne γ-ray spectrum survey system (AGS) based on an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) using point source is proposed in this paper. After calibrating the system with general methods and obtaining satisfactory test results, four artificial radioactive point sources were selected to calibrate the developed AGS and then obtain the calibration parameters for these point sources. Based on the calibration parameters of these four radionuclides, the calibration parameters of other artificial radionuclides can be estimated to realize the function of quantitative measurement of artificial radioactive sources by the AGS based on UAVs.

Influence of operation of thermal and fast reactors of the Beloyarsk NPP on the radioecological situation in the cooling pond. Part 1: Surface water and bottom sediments

The results of radioecological monitoring of the cooling pond Beloyarsk NPP (Russia) have been presented. The influence of waste technological waters of thermal and fast NPP reactors on the content of artificial radionuclides in surface waters and bottom sediments of the Beloyarsk reservoir has been studied. The long-term dynamics of the specific activity of 60Co, 90Sr, 137Cs and 3H in the main components of the freshwater ecosystem at different distances from the source of radionuclide discharge has been estimated. Critical radionuclides (60Co and 137Cs), routes of their entry and periods of maximum discharge of radioisotopes into the cooling pond have been determined. It is shown that the technology of electricity generation at Beloyarsk NPP, based on fast reactors, has a much smaller effect on the flow of artificial radionuclides into the freshwater ecosystem of the reservoir. During the entire period of monitoring studies, the decrease in the specific activity of radionuclides from NPP origin in surface waters was 4.3–74.5 times, in bottom sediments 10–505 times. The maximum discharge of artificial radionuclides into the reservoir was noted during the period of restoration and decontamination work aimed at eliminating emergencies at the AMB thermal reactors of the first stage of the Beloyarsk NPP.

Оценка радиационной обстановки в районе расположения АО «ГНЦ НИИАР» до начала эксплуатации ИЯУ МБИР. Часть 2. Водные экосистемы

The analysis of the radiation survey results of freshwater ecosystems of three rivers and the Cheremshansky Bay of the Kuibyshev Reservoir in the vicinity of State Scientific Centre “Research Institute of Atomic Reactors” (SSC RIAR, Institute) before the start of the MBIR fast neutron reactor operation was carried out. The content of natural (K-40, Ra-226, Th-232) and artificial (Sr-90, Cs-137) radionuclides in the main components of freshwater ecosystems: surface and underground waters, bottom sediments, floodplain soils and vegetation, and ichthyofauna was estimated. It has been shown that the specific activity of Cs-137 in the waste water of industrial storm sewerage (PLK-1) of the enterprise is 10-70, Sr-90 2-10 times higher compared to the surface waters of reservoirs of its zone of influence. This is due to the removal of radionuclides from the site of local contamination in the sanitary protection zone of SSC RIAR. In Cheremshansky Bay, downstream, the concentration of radioisotopes decreases by 8-50 times due to dilution processes and their sorption by bottom sediments and hydrobionts. It is noted that the sorption properties of bottom sediments are determined by the presence of organic compounds in their composition. The multidirectional nature of the accumulation of artificial radionuclides in floodplain soils and plants is shown. In some cases, it is determined by the distance from the source of gas-aerosol emissions of radioisotopes and affects the secondary pollution of freshwater ecosystems. Monitoring data demonstrate a stable decrease in the content of artificial radionuclides in surface waters. In Cheremshansky Bay in 2005-2020 for Cs-137 it was 5 times, for Sr-90 it was 3 times. It has been noted that in recent years, the specific activity of artificial radionuclides in sewage of SSC RIAR, surface and underground waters, as well as fish in the zone of enterprise influence is at the level of the regional background and is 1-3 orders of magnitude lower than the current radiological standards. The importance of further radioecological monitoring of freshwater ecosystems in the SSC RIAR location area after the commissioning of the MBIR for assessing the impact of the new reactor on humans and the environment is shown.

Оценка радиационной обстановки в районе расположения АО «ГНЦ НИИАР» до начала эксплуатации ИЯУ МБИР. Часть 1. Наземные экосистемы

The paper presents results of radiation survey of terrestrial (natural and agrarian) ecosystems in the 30-km zone around the State Scientific Centre "Research Institute of Atomic Reactors" (SSC RIAR, Institute) before the commissioning of the fast neutron reactor MBIR. Due to long-term emissions during the RIAR operation, 137Cs was mainly emitted into the environment. The most part of the radionuclide activity never extends beyond the border of the Institute sanitary protec-tion zone. In 2011 the average density contamination of the soil with 137Cs was 11.16.5 in the sanitary protection zone (0-5 km), 3.12.3 in the observation zone (5-12.5 km), 1.30.4 kBq/m2 in the influence zone (12.5-30 km). The 137Cs/90Sr ratio is maximum in the soil cover in the sanitary protection zone – 24.519.4; it is 8.26.8 in the observation zone and it is close to the level of global fallout – 2.00.5 in the influence zone. More than 90% of 137Cs is deposited in the 0-5 cm soil layer in forest and meadow cenoses and the radionuclide is deposited at a depth of up to 20 cm in a swamp. The highest 137Cs concentration was found in ecosystems components: in vege-tation in the RIAR sanitary protection zone and, to a greater extent, in forest litter. At the initial pe-riod of RIAR operation discharges of process water happened, a piece of land of 0.12 km2 was contaminated with 137Cs, 90Sr and 239,240Pu. Over the past 15 years (2005-2020), the density of soil contamination with 137Cs and 90Sr in RIAR zones of observation and influence has been decaying in accordance with the radioactive decay law. It means that no significant emissions from the In-stitute have been registered. The content of artificial radionuclides in agricultural products and foodstuffs of local production fully meets the established radiological standards and does not have a significant effect on the additional exposure of the population living near RIAR. To assess the impact of the SSC “RIAR" activities on the environment and to assess the radiation safety of the MBIR after putting it in operation, a forecast of 137Cs and 90Sr contamination levels in soils of terrestrial ecosystems within 30-km around the Institute until 2080 was made.

РАДИАЦИОННО-ЭКОЛОГИЧЕСКИЙ МОНИТОРИНГ АГРОЭКОСИСТЕМ В РАЙОНЕ БЕЛОЯРСКОЙ АЭС

Актуальность. Поступление в окружающую среду техногенных радионуклидов при эксплуатации АЭС может привести к их аккумуляции в отдельных звеньях трофической цепи, что повлияет на формирование дозовых нагрузок на население. Сельскохозяйственная продукция и местные продукты питания, производящиеся вблизи АЭС, являются одним из основных источников поступления радионуклидов в организм человека, проживающего в районе размещения атомной электростанции. Цель: оценка современной радиационной обстановки в районе Белоярской АЭС и АО «Институт реакторных материалов» на основе созданной системы радиационно-экологического мониторинга аграрных экосистем. Объекты. Мониторинговые исследования аграрных экосистем проведены в 2013 и 2019 гг. в 30-км зоне вокруг радиационно-опасных объектов. На различном расстоянии и направлениях от них заложены контрольные участки на пашне – 15, лугопастбищных угодьях – 13 и огородах населенных пунктов – 13. На контрольных участках измеряли мощность дозы, отбирали пробы почв, продукции растениеводства, кормопроизводства и продуктов питания. Методы. Всего исследовано в 2013 г. – 137, в 2019 г. – 94 образца. В компонентах агроэкосистем оценивали содержание 40К, 226Ra, 232Th, 90Sr, 137Cs и 239,240Pu. В сельскохозяйственной и пищевой продукции дополнительно определяли 3H и 14C. Результаты. Показано, что содержание 90Sr в почве агроэкосистем в районе радиационно-опасных объектов составляет 4,3…7,2 Бк/кг, 137Cs варьирует в пределах 7,5…18,9 Бк/кг. Диапазон вариации содержания естественных радионуклидов составляет: для 40K 286…432 Бк/кг, для 226Ra 16,1…21,7 Бк/кг, для 232Th 20,1…25,5 Бк/кг. Среднее содержание 239,240Pu в почве агроэкосистем составило 0,13 Бк/кг при вариации 0,07…0,25 Бк/кг. Мощность дозы находилась в диапазоне 0,08…0,13 мкЗв/ч, при среднем 0,10 мкЗв/ч. Уровни загрязнения 137Cs пашни варьировали в пределах: 1,1…3,9 кБк/м2 в 2013 г. и 1,3…2,5 кБк/м2 в 2019 г. Диапазон данных по плотностям загрязнения 137Cs лугопастбищных угодий оказался шире: 1,5…4,5 кБк/м2 в 2013 г. и 1,6…5,2 кБк/м2 в 2019 г. Плотности загрязнения 137Cs почв огородов находились в пределах 0,9…7,7 кБк/м2. Содержание 40K в продукции растениеводства района АЭС варьировало в пределах от 48 до 526 Бк/кг, что определяется видовыми особенностями растений и характеристиками почв, где выращиваются культуры. В продукции кормопроизводства накопление 40K отмечено в диапазоне 260…543 Бк/кг, в продукции животноводства в пределах 18…97 Бк/кг. Удельная активность радионуклидов в зерне отмечена в диапазонах: для 90Sr 1,03…2,8 Бк/кг, для 137Cs 0,15…0,94 Бк/кг. Максимальные уровни накопления 137Cs зафиксированы в ячмене (0,94 Бк/кг) и были ниже норматива СанПиН в 64 раза. Среди овощей, картофеля и бахчевых максимальные уровни удельной активности как 90Sr (0,84 Бк/кг), так и 137Cs (0,26 Бк/кг) отмечались в свекле в 2013 г., однако они были ниже нормативов СанПиН в 45 и 300 раз, соответственно. В соломе зерновых среднее содержание 90Sr варьировало в пределах 2,3…3,6 Бк/кг, 137Cs 0,7…2,1 Бк/кг. В травостое этот диапазон составлял 1,2…3,5 Бк/кг для 90Sr и 0,5…1,8 Бк/кг для 137Cs, соответственно. Максимальные уровни удельной активности 90Sr в соломе (3,6 Бк/кг) оказались в 50 раз ниже норматива по содержанию этого радионуклида в кормах, по 137Cs (2,1 Бк/кг) эта разница составила 190 раз. Максимальные уровни содержания 90Sr в траве (3,5 Бк/кг) были в 14 раз ниже норматива, по 137Cs (1,76 Бк/кг) почти в 56 раз. В 2013 и 2019 гг. динамика содержания техногенных радионуклидов в молоке была разнонаправленной: по 90Sr оно несколько возросло, по 137Cs уменьшилось. Однако даже максимальные значения объемной активности 90Sr (0,41 Бк/л) и 137Cs (0,11 Бк/л) в молоке оказались ниже граничных уровней, установленных нормативами СанПиН в 60 раз по радиостронцию и в 900 раз по радиоцезию. Нормируемое содержание 137Cs в говядине (0,12 Бк/кг) в 2019 г. оказалось более чем в 1,5 тыс. раз ниже требований СанПиН. Показано, что 3H и 14C в сельскохозяйственных и пищевых продуктах в большей степени накапливаются в кормах сельскохозяйственных животных (82…255 Бк/кг), чуть меньше в продовольственном зерне (40…82 Бк/кг). Далее по степени накопления 3H и 14C следуют молоко и картофель (10…95 Бк/кг) и в наименьшей степени данные радионуклиды аккумулируются в овощах (3…8 Бк/кг). Результаты радиационно-экологического мониторинга агроэкосистем показали, что многолетние нормализованные выбросы Белоярской АЭС и АО «Институт реакторных материалов» не привели к регистрируемому увеличению содержания техногенных радионуклидов в почве, сельскохозяйственной продукции и продуктах питания по сравнению с региональным фоном. Отмечена необходимость дальнейшего изучения закономерностей накопления 3H и 14C в сельскохозяйственной и пищевой продукции района размещения АЭС.

Long-term trends and speciation of artificial radionuclides in two submerged macrophytes of the Yenisei River: A comparative study of Potamogeton lucens and Fontinalis antipyretica

Long-term trends of artificial radionuclides, from 2003 to 2018, in two abundant species of macrophytes, shining pondweed, Potamogeton lucens, and water moss, Fontinalis antipyretica, have been analyzed to estimate the indicative reliability of these two species as biomonitors of radioactive contamination in a river system and to quantify the decrease in the content of artificial radionuclides in the Yenisei River. Time-dependent trends of artificial radionuclides in the biomass of these species were similar, resulting in estimates of effective half-lives for 54Mn, 58Co, 60Co, 65Zn, 137Cs, and 152Eu similar for both species. Concentrations of artificial radionuclides in biomass of shining pondweed and water moss correlated with annual discharges of the radionuclides to the Yenisei at different levels of significance, and the strongest (R2 > 0.7) positive correlation (p < 0.05) was obtained for 60Co, 65Zn, and 152Eu. Concentrations of 60Co, 137Cs, and 152Eu in water moss were 2–7.5 times higher than in shining pondweed, and considerable percentages of those isotopes were recorded in extracellular particulate matter, which was largely represented by epiphytic diatoms. Higher concentrations of artificial radionuclides in the biomass of water moss can be considered as an advantage of water moss as a monitor of radioactive contamination of the Yenisei, while shining pondweed is more useful for estimation of annual deposits of radionuclides in vegetation of the Yenisei and spatial transfer of radionuclides downstream of the discharge site. Despite differences in concentrations of artificial radionuclides, both species can be considered as reliable indicators of radioactive contamination of the river on a long-term scale.

Assessment of the impact of the BN-800 reactor operation on the radionuclides content in local foodstuffs in the vicinity of Beloyarsk NPP

The research results are presented as an analysis of long-term data on the effect of gas-aerosol emissions and liquid discharges of Beloyarsk NPP and the Institute of Reactor Materials on the content of artificial radionuclides in local foodstuffs. It was noted that the distance and directions from radiation-hazardous facilities do not significantly affect the accumulation of 90Sr and 137Cs in potatoes and milk. The investigation of a wide range of foodstuffs from the private households of 23 settlements, forests, rivers, and a reservoir of the 30-km zone of the Beloyarsk NPP influence showed that the operation of the BN-800 reactor since 2016 did not lead to a registered increase in the content of artificial radionuclides in agricultural and natural foodstuffs. The maximum specific activities of 90Sr (0.84 Bq/kg) and 137Cs (0.26 Bq/kg) in root vegetables, potatoes, melons and vegetables were noted before the start of operation of the new power unit and were 45 and 300 times, respectively, lower than the current SanPiN standards. The highest content of 90Sr in milk (0.41 Bq/l) was 60 times lower than the requirements of SanPiN, 137Cs (0.11 Bq/l) was 900 times less than the permissible levels. In poultry, the specific activity of 90Sr (0.2-0.3 Bq/kg) and 137Cs (0.13-0.16 Bq/kg) has remained stable low in recent years, and the standardised content of 137Cs in beef (maximum 0.12 Bq/kg) more than 1.5 thousand times lower than the requirements of SanPiN. The highest concentration of 137Cs in wild berries, found in strawberries (1.27 Bq/kg), was 125 times less than SanPiN standards. The content of 90Sr in mushrooms was at the level of 0.1-2.5 Bq/kg, the content of 137Cs is slightly higher than - 0.6-5.8 Bq/kg. The maximum recorded specific activity of 137Cs in mushrooms was more than 80 times lower than the requirements of SanPiN. During the observation period, a decrease of up to 20% or more in the content of artificial radionuclides in samples of 5 fish species was noted; the maximum levels of 90Sr and 137Cs in it were 14 times lower than the strictest SanPiN standards (using fish for baby food). Selective radiation monitoring of foodstuffs of Beloyarsk NPP area aimed at 3H and 14C showed that the content of these radionuclides in foodstuffs was low, close to the background level. In agricultural products, 3H and 14C accumulated to a greater extent in potatoes and milk, and in natural products – in rough boletus and bream. There was noted a need to continue research on the accumulation of 3H and 14C in foodstuffs of Beloyarsk NPP vicinity.

Вміст радіонуклідів у фітопланктоні на різних ділянках Запорізького водосховища

The radionuclides, which have occurred in the aquatic ecosystem are quickly redistributed there. Most of them come through the water phase to the benthal deposit, while the other part of them accumulates in suspensions and hydrobionts. Even low concentrations of radionuclides in water contributes to its radioactive contamination that poses risks to the environment. The radionuclide contamination of freshwater ecosystems is particularly pressing issue, since water with low mineralization enhances the radionuclides activity in the sediments compared to the water by a factor of 10 or even more, and in the animals by hundreds and thousands of times. Phytoplankton is the fundamental autotrophic link of aquatic ecosystems. Due to a large total sorption surface, it is able to absorb, retain and transmit radionuclides along the food chains, leading to a deterioration of the environmental position of the reservoir. Phytoplankton was sampled in the summer of 2019 at 5 sites along the course of the Zaporizke reservoir, which differ in hydrological and hydrochemical conditions: Samara Bay, Festivalnyi pier, Monastyrsky island, creek of the Mokra Sura river and the lower section of the reservoir (near Viyskove village). The specific radioactivity of phytoplankton samples was determined using generally accepted radiochemical methods and gamma spectrometry. The specific radioactivity of radionuclides is given in bequerels per kilogram (Bq/kg) of fresh, natural weight. Statistical processing of research results was carried out using generally accepted methods of variation statistics for a small sample using the Excel 2010 software package. Purpose of the work. To determine the content of natural ( 232 Th, 226 Ra and 40 K) and artificial ( 137 Cs and 90 Sr) radionuclides in phytoplankton at different sites of the Zaporizke reservoir. The content of artificial radionuclides in the phytoplankton of the Zaporizke reservoir averaged as follows: 137 Cs – 7.61±0.501 Bq/kg; 90 Sr – 1.13±0.242 Bq/kg. The maximum values of the content of artificial radionuclides in phytoplankton were recorded in the area of the Festivalnyi pier and the minimum values were recorded near Viyskove village ( 137 Cs) and Samara bay ( 90 Sr). In total, phytoplankton has a relatively low content of artificial radionuclides, which is explained by its low content in water. Hydrobionts receive the main portion of radiation exposure from natural sources of radiation. About 300 natural radionuclides have been identified in the environment; among them 226 Ra, 232 Th and 40 K make a significant contribution to the total natural radioactivity. The specific activity of natural radionuclides in the water area of the Zaporizke reservoir on average was following: 226 Ra – 95.45±7,010 Bq/kg; 232 Th – 85.66±4,013 Bq/kg; 40 K – 185.26±23.74 Bq/kg. The lowest content of natural radionuclides was observed in the phytoplankton of the Samara bay. The maximum recorded specific activity of 226 Ra and 40 K was observed in the creek of the Mokra Sura river, which may indicate an increased content of radionuclides in the water of this river, because the river is polluted throughout its length by industrial, agricultural and municipal wastewater. It has been found that the specific activity of natural radionuclides 226 Ra, 232 Th and 40 K was 80-320 times higher than that of the artificial ones ( 90 Sr and 137 Cs). The distribution of radionuclides in the elements of the freshwater ecosystem is characterized by accumulation coefficients. According to the accumulation coefficients with respect to water, the sequence of accumulation of radionuclides in the phytoplankton of the Zaporizke reservoir has been arranged in descending order: 137 Cs&gt; 232 Th&gt; 226 Ra&gt; 40 K&gt; 90 Sr. The accumulation coefficients of 40 K and 90 Sr are 11-22 times less than those of 137 Cs and 232 Th, which is quite appropriately, because freshwater algae are more able to accumulate 137 Cs. For most of the radionuclides studied, the maximum values of accumulation coefficients have been recorded in phytoplankton in the area of the Festivalnyi pier ( 137 Cs, 90 Sr, 232 Th) and the creek of the Mokra Sura river ( 226 Ra, 40 K). The latter is associated with both the hydrochemical and hydrological conditions of these sites, and with increased anthropogenic impact, especially in the area of the river creek. The data obtained indicate that there is a potential threat of accumulation of radionuclides in phytoplankton and their transfer further along food chains. With reference to the above mentioned, it is important to monitor the content of radionuclides in phytoplankton in order to minimize their transmission through the food chain and preserve the biodiversity of aquatic ecosystems.

The analysis of radioecological monitoring results in the vicinity of the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant

The research presents the data of long-term observations of the impact of the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant operation on the radioecological situation in the region of its location. The dynamics of the content of natural and artificial radionuclides in the components of agricultural ecosystems was studied due to the data based on the information from the radioecological monitoring network developed in 2003. Samples of soils, agricultural products and animal feeds were taken at 11 control sites located on arable lands and grasslands in the vicinity of the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant, and, in settlements, locally produced food was sampled. It was shown that for the period of studies of 2003-2019, the average specific activity of90Sr in the soils of agroecosystems of the 10 km influence zone of the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant varied within 2.7-4.3 Bq/kg, and specific activity of137Cs was 14.6-40.8 Bq/kg. At the same time, there were found no trends of increase in the content of artificial radionuclides in soil over time and at different distances from the NPP, and the increased specific activity of137Cs in soil compared to the global background is explained by the Chernobyl fallout. The variability of the average content of natural radionuclides in the soil for40K was 481-625 Bq/kg,226Ra – 20.6-29.5 Bq/ kg,232Th – 28.2-39.2 Bq/kg, which corresponded to all-Russian data. The average specific activity of90Sr in grain was 0.24-0.43 Bq/kg, and137Cs – 0.19-0.37 Bq/kg. Even the maximum levels of artificial radionuclides in grain were 44 times for90Sr and 85 times for137Cs lower than the current SanPiN standards. The highest specific activity values of137Cs and90Sr in potatoes, vegetables, and gourds were 160 times lower than the SanPiN standards. It was noted that the maximum content of90Sr in milk was more than 540 times lower than the SanPin standard, and for137Cs this difference was 330 times. The maximum content of137Cs in beef turned out to be over 850 times lower than the SanPiN standard for this radionuclide. About 70 Bq/a of90Sr and 200 Bq/a of137Cs enter the population diet with locally produced food, which is almost 400 times for137Cs and 200 times for90Sr lower than the annual limit. Milk (46%), meat (31%), potatoes and vegetables (14%) make the main contribution to the formation of the internal dose from agricultural products containing137Cs, and contribution to dose from90Sr is made by milk (14%) and crop products (potatoes, vegetables, bread) – up to 78%. In general, we concluded that over the past 17 years, the operation of the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant did not lead to a deterioration of the radioecological situation in the region of its location, because during the survey period there was no significant increase in the content of artificial radionuclides in agricultural products, foods and environmental components.

К разработке новых редакций норм радиационной безопасности и основных санитарных правил обеспечения радиационной безопасности

The objective of this work is to enhance national Radiation safety standards (NRB) and Basic Health Rules for Radiation Safety (OSPORB). &#x0D; This article discusses proposals how to amend new versions of the fundamental regulatory documents – national NRB and OSPORB as regards the interpretation of the term “limit of the annual effective dose of manmade individual exposure” and the health physics limiting the content of artificial radionuclides in solid materials for their unrestricted use. &#x0D; In current Radiation Safety Standards, NRB-99/2009 (paragraph 3.1.5.), in contrast to the Federal Law of 09.01.1996 No 3-FZ “On the Public Radiation Protection” and provisions of draft International Basic Safety Standards, annual effective dose means gross effective dose of external and internal exposure, received for the calendar year. The article describes the situation where the doses of a conditional worker do not exceed the dose limits in a single calendar year, i.e. &lt; 50 mSv, however, for any arbitrarily taken time interval equal to one year, the annual dose limit of 50 mSv is repeatedly exceeded. Therefore, the following amendment is proposed to be made in new version of the NRB: “Annual effective dose means the sum of the effective external dose received for any arbitrarily taken time interval equal to one year and the ambient effective internal dose due to the intake of radionuclides in the body over the same period”.&#x0D; In current Basic Health Rules for Radiation Safety, OSPORB 99/2010, Annex 3 “The Specific Activities of Artificial Radionuclides, at which Unrestricted Use of Materials is Permitted” does not include the uranium isotopes 234U, 235U and 238U; this contradicts paragraph 5.2.10 of OSPORB-99/2010, according to which these isotopes should be attributed to manmade radiation sources. &#x0D; The article justifies the expediency of establishing the upper value of the specific activity of 1 Bq/g for the main uranium radionuclides in solid materials in case of their unlimited use. &#x0D; The supplement of Appendix 3 is proposed to the new version of the OSPORB with uranium isotopes 234U, 235U, 238U, setting the standard for their specific activity of 1 Bq/g in solid materials for unlimited use.

Radioecological monitoring in the vicinity of Rostov NPP. The analysis of results of long-term investigations

The purpose of this work was to assess the influence of the Rostov NPP (consisting of 4 units with VVER1000 reactors) on the radioecological situation in the region of the station location within 18 years from the start of the first power reactor. Based on the results of observations at the radioecological monitoring network established in 2001, which included seven control sites and five control points, the content of natural and artificial radionuclides in environmental objects, agricultural products and foodstuffs was analyzed. It was shown that over the entire period under consideration, the average content of 90Sr in the soils of agroecosystems of the 15-km zone of influence of the Rostov NPP varied within 1.7-7.4 Bq/kg, and 137Cs – 7.5-14.9 Bq/kg. It was not detected any trends to increase in the concentrations of artificial radionuclides in the soil throughout the considered territory. The variation range of the average content of natural radionuclides in soils was 561-634 Bq/kg for 40K, 23.4-27.5 Bq/kg for 226Ra and 32.7-35.9 Bq/kg for 232Th. The average concentration of 90Sr in the grain was in the range of 0.1-0.68 Bq/kg, and 137Cs – 0.23-0.54 Bq/kg. Even the maximum specific activity values of artificial radionuclides in food grain were below the SanPiN standards 55 times for 90Sr and 65 times for 137Cs. The maximum levels of 137Cs in vegetables and potatoes and vine crops were 80 times lower than the SanPiN standards. The maximum levels of specific activity of 90Sr in milk were more than 400 times lower than the SanPiN standard (25 Bq/kg), and for 137Cs (standard 100 Bq/kg) this difference was 600 times. Vegetable crops were characterized by minimal transfer factors (TFs) of radionuclides. TFs of 90Sr in vegetables, depending on the product type, was in the range of 0.04-0.17, and for 137Cs it was in the range of 0.008-0.2 (Bq/kg)/(kBq/m2 ). Maximum TFs of radionuclides were noted in grasses. TF of 90Sr in natural and perennial grass was 0.75-2.2, and for 137Cs it was 0.28-0.86 (Bq/kg)/(kBq/m2 ). The differences in transition factors between vegetables and grass reached 50 times, and on average, they were 10-20 times. It was noted that all types of crops accumulated 90Sr on average 2-5 times more in comparison to 137Cs ac cumulation. It was shown that the content of artificial radionuclides in the water of the Tsymlyansk reservoir is 163 and 183 times lower than the permissible level for 90Sr and 137Cs, respectively. The analysis of 18-year results of observations of the radioecological situation in the vicinity of the Rostov NPP allows to conclude that the operation of this NPP in normal mode and the commissioning of new power-generating units did not lead to a recorded increase in the content of artificial radionuclides in agricultural products, foodstuffs and environmental objects.

The relationship of mineral and geochemical composition to artificial radionuclide partitioning in Yenisei river sediments downstream from Krasnoyarsk

Discharges from the Mining-and-Chemical Combine (MCC) of Rosatom, downstream from Krasnoyarsk, resulted in radioactive contamination of sediments of the River Yenisei. The concentration of artificial gamma-emitting radionuclides ((137)Cs, (60)Co, (152)Eu, and (241)Am) was determined with the objective to analyze the migration processes leading to the transport of these radionuclides. The content of artificial radionuclides in the surface layers of the study area varied in wide ranges: (137)Cs-318-1,800 Bq/kg, (60)Co-87-720 Bq/kg, (152)Eu-12-287 Bq/kg and (241)Am-6-76 Bq/kg. There was a sequence of migration of radionuclides investigated in the surface layer of sediments that were collected in the near zone of influence of the MCC: (241)Am ≈ (152)Eu > (60)Co > (137)Cs. Radionuclide species have been found to be directly related to sediment structure and composition.

The current content of artificial radionuclides in the water of the Tobol–Irtysh river system (from the mouth of the Iset River to the confluence with the Ob River)

Data on content of 90Sr, 137Cs, 239,240Pu and 3H in water of the Tobol–Irtysh part of the Techa–Iset–Tobol–Irtysh–Ob river system (through which the “Mayak” PA radioactive wastes are transported) are presented and discussed. The data were received in 2004–2005 under the ISTC project on radioecological monitoring of the Tobol and Irtysh rivers. Monthly observations of 137Cs, 90Sr and 3H content in water in the area of the Tobol and Irtysh confluence have been conducted starting from May 2004. To obtain information on the investigated river system as a whole, the radioecological survey of the Tobol and Irtysh rivers at the section from the mouth of the Iset River to the confluence with the Ob River was carried out in 2004. It is shown that the impact of “Mayak” PA waste transport by 90Sr is distinctly traced as far as the area of the Irtysh and Ob confluence.

Accumulation peculiarities of artificial radionuclides in the elements of coastal ecosystems on the Kola Peninsula

Since 1991, the Murmansk Marine Biological Institute has carried out comprehensive investigations of radioactivity of Arctic and subarctic marine ecosystems, which are based on extensive documentary, geographic, and taxonomic materials. Long-term monitoring of artificial nuclides was focused on ecosystems of the Barents and White seas. Interest in this region stemmed from the availability of potential regional and local sources of radionuclide emission: atomic fleet bases, nuclear test sites on the Novaya Zemlya Archipelago, and radwaste burial sites on the shelf. Special attention was concentrated on study of the content and distribution of radioisotopes in ecosystems of numerous gulfs in the Kola Peninsula [1, 2], since the possible emission of radionuclides to offshore zones of the Barents and White seas from objects of the atomic industry located on their coasts remains a pressing issue. In this respect, the necessity arises for carrying out further investigations of the state of the artificial radionuclide background in coastal ecosystems of the Kola Peninsula, which are most exposed to anthropogenic impact. The purpose of this work was the assessment of the current radioecological situation in ecosystems of bays and gulfs of the Kola Peninsula. Radioecological conditions of the regions under study were assessed by the content of artificial radionuclides 137 Cs and 90 Sr in the environment and biota samples. Samples were collected during coastal expeditions in the White and Bering seas in 2004‐2005. Pechenga, Ura, Saida, Dalnie Zelenetsy, Teriberka, and Kola (middle and southern bends) bays were inspected for radioactive pollution in the Barents Sea, as well as Palkina Bay and the region of the Kandalaksha Coast in the White Sea. Sampling sites are represented in Fig. 1. CANBERRA γ -spectrometer was used for measuring 137 Cs contents in samples; α – β scintillation counter LS 6500 BEKMAN, for measuring the 90 Sr content in accordance with certified procedures. Cesium radionuclides were sorbed from seawater using an ANFEZh sorbent, which is most reliable in the mass radiochemical analysis of flow media with low activity. The volume of the analyzed seawater sample was 100 l.

Content of artificial radionuclides in the birds of the Barents Sea and the Sea of Azov.

Content of artificial radionuclides in the birds of the Barents Sea and the Sea of Azov.

Content of artificial radionuclides in the body of servicing personnel of the MR research reactor

Content of artificial radionuclides in the body of servicing personnel of the MR research reactor

Radiological investigations in the western Baltic Sea and the Baltic Proper, including the Danish straits, during 1981

In 1981, during two cruises in the region of the western Baltic Sea and the Baltic Proper, water samples were taken from different depths for investigation of their content of artificial radio nuclides.