Dumping Of Radioactive Wastes Research Articles

Anthropogenic radionuclides in seawater of the Far Eastern Seas

Large quantities of radioactive wastes have been dumped in the Far Eastern Seas by the former Soviet Union and the Russian Federation, and small amounts of radioactive wastes have been dumped by Japan and the Republic of Korea. In order to investigate the concentrations of anthropogenic radionuclides in the nine dumping areas, a second expedition was conducted in 1995 by Japan, the Republic of Korea, the Russian Federation and IAEA, following the first expedition in 1994. The results show that 137Cs, 90Sr and 239+240Pu concentrations in surface and bottom waters at dumping areas do not significantly differ from the values observed in background areas, and from historical values. There is no clear effect of possible contamination due to radioactive waste dumping. The concentrations and water column inventories of 137Cs, 90Sr and 239+240Pu in the Far Eastern seas are controlled by physical oceanic processes such as horizontal transport and biogeochemical processes such as scavenging.

Anthropogenic radionuclides in seawater in the East Sea/Japan Sea: Results of the first-stage Japanese–Korean–Russian expedition

Measurements of anthropogenic radionuclides in seawater samples near dumping sites of the East Sea/Japan Sea were conducted, as the first-stage Japanese–Korean–Russian Joint Expedition, in March–April 1994, to assess radioactive contamination of the East Sea/Japan Sea after the dumping of radioactive wastes by the former Soviet Union and Russian Federation. Concentrations of 137Cs, 90Sr and 239,240Pu in surface waters of the East Sea/Japan Sea near dumping sites were in the ranges of 2.8–3.6,1.6–2.0, and 8–25 Bq kg -1, respectively. Surface 137Cs and 90Sr concentrations were the same order of magnitude as those observed in the North Pacific, whereas surface 239,240Pu concentration was significantly higher than those observed in the North Pacific. Vertical profiles of 137Cs and 90Sr, with surface maxima and decreasing with depth, showed higher depth gradients than those observed in the North Pacific, reflecting deep convection in the north central East Sea/Japan Sea. The higher 239,240Pu concentration in the surface waters of the north central East Sea/Japan Sea may reflect rapid recycling of deep Pu. The results revealed that most of the recent radioactivity observed in the north central East Sea/Japan Sea was of global fallout origin from atmospheric nuclear testing and partly the Chernobyl fallout. In this survey, there was no clear evidence of an increase in radionuclide concentrations due to the dumping of radioactive wastes by the former Soviet Union and Russian Federation.

Nuclear Wastes in the Arctic Ocean. the Consequences of Past Dumping and Opportunities for Future Prevention

The view is expressed that the assessment of disposal of nuclear waste in the ocean (specifically the Arctic and Kara Seas) is critical to understanding Arctic pollution. Much needs to be done in deciding what we should do, even though many wastes are long-standing and persistent. in 1993, disclosures about Russian dumping of submarine nuclear reactors, nuclear fuel, and other radioactive wastes into the Arctic Ocean brought this region and its problems into the world spotlight and raised public concerns about the resulting health and environmental risks. As a result of this concern, the Congressional Office of Technology Assessment published a 1995 study, Nuclear Wastes in the Arctic (US Congress Office of Technology Assessment, 1995). This paper summarises and updates that study.

98/03378 Modelling the potential radiological consequences of radioactive waste dumping in the Kara Sea: Baxter, M. S. et al. J. Environ. Radioactivity, 1998, 39, (2), 161–181

98/03378 Modelling the potential radiological consequences of radioactive waste dumping in the Kara Sea: Baxter, M. S. et al. J. Environ. Radioactivity, 1998, 39, (2), 161–181

Modelling the potential radiological consequences of radioactive waste dumping in the Kara Sea

There has recently been growing concern over the dumping of high- and medium-level solid radioactive wastes in the Kara Sea by the former Soviet Union. The largest amounts of radioactive wastes were dumped primarily as nuclear reactors containing spent nuclear fuel. The present radionuclide inventory in dumped nuclear reactors is estimated at 4·7 PBq. Compartmental and hydrodynamic models have been developed and applied to describe the possible dispersal of radioactive contaminants and to predict the long-term radiological impact on global, regional and local scales. The collective committed effective dose to the world population based on the marine food ingestion pathway has been calculated as 2·2 man Sv. Modelling results suggest that only radiological effects on a local scale may be of importance. The global radiological impact of the disposals in the Kara Sea will be smaller than from other anthropogenic sources of radioactivity.

International Arctic Seas Assessment Project (IASAP)

The International Arctic Seas Assessment Project (IASAP) was carried out in 1993-1996 to address concerns over the potential health and environmental impacts of the high level radioactive waste dumping in the shallow waters of the Arctic seas. The aims of the project were to assess the risks to human health and to the environment associated with the radioactive wastes dumped in the Kara and Barents Seas; and examine possible remedial actions related to the dumped wastes and to advise on whether they are necessary and justified. The following results and conclusions were reached from the study: (i) Releases from identified dumped objects are small and localised to the immediate vicinity of the dumping sites. (ii) Projected future doses to members of the public in typical local population groups are very small, less than 1 μSv. Projected future doses to a hypothetical group of military personnel patrolling the foreshore of the fjords in which wastes have been dumped are higher, up to 4000 μSv but still of the same order as the average annual natural background dose. (iii) Doses to marine fauna are insignificant, orders of magnitude below those at which detrimental effects on fauna populations might be expected to occur. (iv) On radiological grounds, remediation is not warranted.

Doses to Marine Biota from Radioactive Waste Dumping in the Fjords of Novaya Zemlya

The current and future radioecological situation has been analysed for the fjords of the Novaya Zemlya archipelago (Abrosimov and Tsivolki Fjords) where the largest radioactive waste (RW) dumping sites are located. The current radiation dose rates to the local marine biota were calculated using the results of the expeditions of 1992-1994, and were found to be very small, (0.5-10) x 10 -9 Sv.d -1 , with maximum external dose rates up to 8.5 x 10 -6 Sv.d -1 within small contaminated spots on the seabed. The future radioecological situation in the Tsivolki Fjord was simulated, using the scenario of an accidental disruption of the RW disposal site in 2050 AD. Dose rates to marine biota in the period of highest releases vary in the range 0.007-0.4 msv.h -1 , with a dominating contribution from alpha-emitting radionuclides.

EPA Watch: Radioactive waste dump receives green light

EPA Watch: Radioactive waste dump receives green light

Long-Distance Radionuclide Transfer in the Arctic Seas Related to Fish Migrations

The long-distance migrations of commercial fish in the arctic seas may lead to the biological transfer of artificial radionuclides from highly contaminated local zones in the arctic seas to remote non-contaminated areas. Based on experimental data the dynamics of 137 Cs bioaccumulation in fish from the Barents Sea (arcto-norwegian cod) was analysed. It was demonstrated that the 137 Cs concentration factors for arctic fish were not constant, but gradually changed from 28 ± 5 in 1979 up to 182 ± 48 in 1992 with a slow decrease in subsequent years. The conclusion reached was that the radionuclide 'concentration factor' approach to the prediction of arctic fish contamination was not very applicable. An original calculation method is proposed for modelling the dynamics of radioactive contamination of fish, with consideration of fish feeding behaviour, growth and seasonal migrations. Results of the computer simulation of the fish contamination in the Barents Sea after a hypothetical accidental release of 1 TBq of 137 Cs from the radioactive waste dumping site are presented.

Collective doses to man from dumping of radioactive waste in the Arctic Seas

A box model for the dispersion of radionuclides in the marine environment covering the Arctic Ocean and the North Atlantic Ocean has been constructed. Collective doses from ingestion pathways have been calculated from unit releases of the radionuclides 3H, 60Co, 63Ni, 90Sr, 129I, 137Cs, 239Pu and 241Am into a fjord on the east coast of NovayaZemlya. The results show that doses for the shorter-lived radionuclides (e.g. 137Cs) are derived mainly from seafood production in the Barents Sea. Doses from the longer-lived radionuclides (e.g. 239Pu) are delivered through marine produce further away from the Arctic Ocean. Collective doses were calculated for two release scenarios, both of which are based on information of the dumping of radioactive waste in the Barents and Kara Seas by the former Soviet Union and on preliminary information from the International Arctic Sea Assessment Programme. A worst-case scenario was assumed according to which all radionuclides in liquid and solid radioactive waste were available for dispersion in the marine environment at the time of dumping. Release of radionuclides from spent nuclear fuel was assumed to take place by direct corrosion of the fuel ignoring the barriers that prevent direct contact between the fuel and the seawater. The second scenario selected assumed that releases of radionuclides from spent nuclear fuel do not occur until after failure of the protective barriers. All other liquid and solid radioactive waste was assumed to be available for dispersion at the time of discharge in both scenarios. The estimated collective dose for the worst-case scenario was about 9 manSv and that for the second scenario was about 3 manSv. In both cases, 137Cs is the radionuclide predicted to dominate the collective doses as well as the peak collective dose rates.

Research needed relative to radiological Assessment of the dumping of radioactive wastes in the oceans

The purpose of this paper is twofold. First, the paper provides a historical review of international activities regarding radiation in the sea. Secondly, the paper provides some recommendations for future research needed for realistic dose assessment of the present and potential impact of ocean disposal and dumping operations.

Influence of temperature on the accumulation and retention of 11 radionuclides by the marine alga Fucus vesiculosus (L.)

Accumulation of the radionuclides 241Am, 110mAg, 133Ba, 109Cd, 57Co-cobalamine, 60Co, 134Cs, 152Eu, 54Mn, 106Ru and 65Zn in the brown macroalga Fucus vesiculosus (L.) Phaeophyceae, was compared at 2°C and 12°C in a series of laboratory radiotracer experiments. Concentration factors in the thallus were temperature-dependent and significantly decreased at 2°C for 110mAg, 109Cd, 60Co, 54Mn and 65Zn (CF = 439, 51, 101, 92 and 162, respectively) but not for 241Am, 133Ba, 134Cs, 152Eu and organic 57Co (CF = 329, 210, 3.3, 470 and 214, respectively); hence, for these last isotopes concentration factors in this species derived from temperate latitude (12°C) studies can probably be applied to radiological assessments made under Arctic conditions. Between 2 and 14 days of depuration, the radionuclides, except 133Ba and 134Cs, remained tightly bound to the alga. Our results suggest that: 1. temperature must be considered when modelling the radiological impact of radioactive waste dumping in the Arctic Seas; and 2. Fucus spp. would be excellent bioindicators of radionuclide contamination and dispersion in the Barents and Kara Seas.

Environmental NGOs and Regime Change:

This article deals with the recent change of the global regime controlling ocean dumping of low-level radioactive waste. Why did this regime, which originally permitted ocean dumping of low-level radioactive waste, undergo a regime change that resulted in this activity being outlawed? It is concluded that the actions of a global environmental non-governmental organization (ENGO) were decisive in the regime change process, independent of state interests or epistemic communities. Four primary roles for ENGOs in environmental regimes are suggested — mobilizing international public opinion, transnational coalition building, monitoring of states' environmental commitments and advocating precaution and protection of the environment. It is concluded that regime studies should pay more attention to ENGOs and interaction between ENGOs, states and epistemic communities.

Adoption of the African Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty

During the 31 st Ordinary Session of the Organisation of African Unity summit, Heads of State adopted the African Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty. Each State Party undertakes to (i) renounce nuclear explosive devices; (ii) prevent the stationing of nuclear explosive devices in its territory; (iii) prohibit the testing of nuclear explosive devices in its territory; and (iv) prohibit the dumping of radioactive wastes. Each party also undertakes to declare any capability for the manufacture of nuclear explosive devices; to dismantle and destroy any existing devices; to destroy facilities for the manufacture of nuclear explosive devices or, where possible, to convert them to peaceful uses.

Temperature effects on uptake and retention of contaminant radionuclides and trace metals by the brittle star Ophiothrix fragilis

Recent revelations of extensive dumping of radioactive wastes in Arctic seas emphasize the need to understand the processes affecting accumulation of contaminants in polar marine food webs. Little is known, however, about the effects of low temperatures on bioaccumulation of radionuclides and toxic metals. To address this question, we examined the effects of temperature on uptake and retention of 11 dissolved radioisotopes (including both nuclear waste components and required, and toxic metals) by the brittle star Ophiothrix fragilis, typical of species which dominate Arctic benthic communities. Lower temperatures significantly reduced uptake rates of all elements examined, but had little effect on loss rates. These results raise questions about the validity of extrapolating previous work on biological dynamics of dissolved contaminants, largely carried out at temperate zone temperatures, to polar ecosystems. This work suggests that the effects of low Arctic temperatures may need to be taken into consideration in order to understand the potential for food chain accumulation of nuclear wastes and toxic metals in high-latitude seas.

The Arctic wasteland: a perspective on Arctic pollution

ABSTRACTArctic pollution has become a focus of attention as a result of the admission byRussia of former indiscriminate dumping of radioactive waste in the Kara Sea; thus, radionuclides in the Arctic Basin have become a major cause for concern. Evidence for the bioaccumulation of toxic contaminants such as organochlorines, PCBs, and heavy metals in the Arctic food webwould seem to raise questions about this issue, there being little evidence of significant levels of radionuclide contamination in higher orders of the chain. However, there is growing evidence of a major influx of toxic material into the Arctic Basin, from riverine input and atmospheric deposition, which is transported to biologically active melt fronts. This suggests thatthe serious polluting of the Arctic Basin, combined with bioaccumulation processes, particularly for organochlorines and trace metals, is a major cause for concern. There is, then, a requirement for an overview of current information on Arctic pollutants, with a consideration of source, transport, and accumulation processes, in order to be able to apply some perspective to the situation, to quantify and qualify the problems, and to suggest appropriate actions.

Study Inflames Ward Valley Controversy

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory has been dragged reluctantly into the dispute over a planned low-level radioactive waste dump at Ward Valley, California. If the Department of Energy gives the nod, Livermore scientists would examine how fast radionuclides deposited decades ago by nuclear tests are permeating the soil at the dump site. The results could indicate whether contaminants from the dump—designed to hold waste from utilities, hospitals, and laboratories—could seep into California's water supply. But supporters of the dump view the study as a delaying tactic, and opponents question Livermore's impartiality.

Dumping of Radioactive Waste in the Barents and Kara Seas

Dumping of Radioactive Waste in the Barents and Kara Seas

Dumping of Radioactive Waste in the Barents and Kara Seas

To evaluate the level of radioactive contamination in the Kara Sea and to assess short and long term consequences of dumped radioactive waste, joint Russian-Norwegian expeditions have been performed annually since 1992. Results from the 1992 joint expedition to the Kara Sea demonstrated very low concentrations of radionuclides in waters and sediments. Contributions from different sources: global fallout, river transport, marine transport of discharges from European reprocessing plants and of fallout from Chernobyl, could be identified. From the expeditions in 1993 and 1994 to three bays at Novaya Zemlya, local contamination in the Stepovogo and the Abrosimov bays due to leakage from the dumped radioactive waste could be confirmed. Results from the 1994 expedition will be published in 1995. The levels of radioactivity in the Kara Sea are, however, very low and represent at present an extremely low impact on man and the marine ecosystem.

The new environmental litigator

In 1989, I was interviewed by the legal journalist, Marcel Berlins, for BBC Radio 4's 'Law in Action' programme. He asked me whether I thought that there was such a concept as environmental law and environmental litigation. I said 'No!' Now 5 years later, it seems surprising that this conversation even took place, never mind the answer that I gave. Environmental law is now a fundamental part of the British legal landscape and the courts are increasingly having to apply their respective minds to environmental issues. Let me describe what has driven me to become one of the people involved in this new and exciting area of the law. When ! qualified as a lawyer in 1981, I became a plaintiff's personal injury lawyer, undertaking standard cases about slipping, tripping and road accidents. In 1984, I was telephoned by Frank Cook the Member of Parliament for Stockton. Frank's constituency was one of the many that the government had earmarked as a potential site for the dumping of low-level radioactive waste. Frank had spent a good deal of time looking into the issues to do with radiation, and was surprised that those who fell victim to the operation of the industry had no group to assist and represent its views. He rang to ask, therefore, whether I would take part in the newly formed 'Radiation Victims Roundtable' a group of politicians, experts, activists and lawyers who were interested in helping victims. I was delighted to help but knew next to nothing about the issue and spent only the odd few hours a year at meetings assisting the group over the following 3 years. This all changed when I received a letter from an activist who was assisting the Merlin family who had a legal claim against British Nuclear Fuels. I