Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site Research Articles

Investigation of the food safety of lamb meat obtained in ecologically unfavorable territories

IntroductionThis article presents data on the ecological situation of agricultural territories where small cattle are raised, focusing on the exposure dose rate, radon concentration in residential and social buildings, and the density of alpha and beta particle flux. The study also examines the levels of heavy metals (Pb, Cd, As, Hg) and radionuclides Cs-137 and Sr-90 in raw meat from ecologically unfavorable areas, as well as the effects of heat treatment on reducing the content of these harmful substances.MethodsThe research involved analyzing raw meat samples from the Abai district near the former Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site in Semey, Kazakhstan. The levels of heavy metals and radionuclides were measured before and after heat treatment to assess the effectiveness of cooking in reducing these contaminants. Radioecological measurements were also conducted in residential and social buildings to evaluate radon concentration and alpha and beta particle flux.Results and DiscussionThe results of the study showed a significant decrease in the levels of lead, cadmium, arsenic, Cs-137, and Sr-90 in meat after heat treatment. Prolonged cooking or quenching led to the most significant reductions in toxicity and radionuclides. These findings suggest that heat treatment can be an effective method for reducing the levels of harmful substances in meat from ecologically compromised areas. Further research is needed to explore other potential strategies for mitigating the impact of environmental contamination on food safety in agricultural regions.

Serum calcium and magnesium levels and quality of life in environmentally exposed populations in Kazakhstan.

The relationship between the levels of essential elements and various aspects of well-being in environmentally exposed populations still needs to be better understood. The present study aims to investigate the potential connections between serum concentrations of calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and quality of life (QoL) in environmentally exposed populations in Kazakhstan. The present study involved 1881 nominally healthy individuals aged 18-52 years who were permanent residents of Abay, Borodulikha, Ust-Kamenogorsk, Kurchum, Uralsk, Aksay, and Berezovka settlements. These settlements were selected to represent different types of environmental exposure: radioactive fallout from the Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site (SNTS), non-ferrous metallurgy, and the condensate gas field, compared to environmentally unexposed territories. The Russian version of the SF-36 questionnaire was used to assess the participants' quality of life. Serum Ca levels were measured using colorimetry with O-cresolphthalein, and serum Mg concentrations were measured using colorimetry with xylidyl blue. Both elevated and decreased serum Ca levels were more frequently observed in the environmentally exposed populations. The prevalence of hypermagnesemia was highest among residents near the condensate gas field. Environmentally exposed populations residing near the SNTS and in Ust-Kamenogorsk exhibited lower scores in some QoL domains. In contrast, people near the condensate gas field showed comparable or even higher QoL scores than the control population. Only serum Mg demonstrated a significant association with the average QoL scores, while Ca did not show such an association. These findings have important implications for public health interventions.

Comparison of external dose estimates using different retrospective dosimetry methods in the settlements located near Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site, Republic of Kazakhstan.

For correct assessment of health risks after low-dose irradiation, calculation of radiation exposure estimates is crucial. To verify the calculated absorbed doses, instrumental methods of retrospective dosimetry are used. We compared calculated and instrumental-based estimates of external absorbed doses in the residents of Dolon, Mostik and Cheremushki villages, Kazakhstan, affected by the first nuclear weapon test performed at the Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site (SNTS) on August 29, 1949. The 'instrumental' doses were retrospectively estimated using the Luminescence Retrospective Dosimetry (LRD) and Electron Spin Resonance (ESR) methods. Correlation between the calculated individual cumulative external absorbed whole-body doses based on typical input data and ESR-based individual doses in the same people was strong (r = 0.782). It was even stronger between the calculated doses based on individual questionnaires' input data and the ESR-based doses (r = 0.940). Application of the LRD method is useful for validation of the calculated settlement-average cumulated external absorbed dose to air. Reconstruction of external exposure can be supplemented with the data from later measurements of soil contamination with long-lived radionuclides, such as, 137Cs. Our results show the reliability of the calculational method used for the retrospective assessment of individual external doses.

Comorbid Conditions in Persons Exposed to Ionizing Radiation and Veterans of the Soviet-Afghan War: A Cohort Study in Kazakhstan.

This study investigated the prevalence and characteristics of comorbid conditions in patients exposed to ionizing radiation and those who were involved in the Soviet-Afghan war. This study analyzed the frequency and spectrum of morbidity and comorbidity in patients over a long-term period (30-35 years) following exposure to ionizing radiation at the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site or the Chornobyl nuclear power plant, and among participants of the Soviet-Afghan war. A cohort study, both prospective and retrospective, was conducted on 675 patients who underwent comprehensive examinations. Numerical data were analyzed using the Statistica 6 program. The results are presented as the mean±standard deviation, median, and interquartile range (25-75th percentiles). The statistical significance of between-group differences was assessed using the Student t-test and Pearson chi-square test. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. We found a high prevalence of cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension (55.0%) and cardiac ischemia (32.9%); these rates exceeded the average for this age group in the general population. The cumulative impact of causal occupational, environmental, and ultra-high stress factors in the combat zone in participants of the Soviet-Afghan war, along with common conventional factors, contributed to the formation of a specific comorbidity structure. This necessitates a rational approach to identifying early predictors of cardiovascular events and central nervous system disorders, as well as pathognomonic clinical symptoms in this patient cohort. It also underscores the importance of selecting suitable methods and strategies for implementing treatment and prevention measures.

Семей полигоны: тарихы, ядролық сынақтар және оның зардаптары

Семей ядролық полигоны — бұл әлемдегі ядролық қаруды сынаудың ең ірі полигондарының бірі. Семей полигонының 40 жылдай уақыт аралығындағы қызметі Кеңес Одағының қару жарақ жарысы тарихының бір кезеңі саналады. Өкінішке орай, Семей полигонының тарихы отандық тарихнамада тарихи тұрғыдан жан-жақты қарастырылмаған, ғылыми жұмыстар жоқтың қасы. Мұның негізгі себептерінің бірі — архив құжаттарына деген қолжетімділіктің болмауы және олардың қатаң құпия түрінде сақталуы. Сондықтан, қазіргі уақытта Семей ядролық полигонына қатысты жаңа архивқұжаттарын қолдану арқылы ғылыми жұмыстарды басып шығарудың қажеттілігі туындап отыр. Екінші жағынан, Семейдегі ядролық сынақтар су және жер ресурстарының зақымдануына алып келді, экономика масштабының қысқаруына, әлеуметтік құрылымдардың әлсіреуіне ықпал еткені белгілі. Сондықтан, қазіргі уақытта халықтық өмірлік қуатын және аймақтың өмірлік кеңістігін сауықтыру үшін әлеуметтік қорғау жүйесін құру өзекті саналады. Осы себептен, мақалада Семей полигонының құрылу тарихы және 1949–1989 жылдар аралығындағы ядролық қаруды сынаудың салдарықарастырылған.

“Struggle for Peace, in their Own Land” as the Philosophy of the “Nevada-Semipalatinsk” Movement

Abstract The relevance of the study lies in the need to assess the influence and significance of socio-political movements in stimulating political and social changes, in this case, the anti-nuclear movement in Kazakhstan. This will allow for a deeper understanding of the complexity and multidimensional nature of organised collective actions and may inform future research and policy development related to nuclear testing, environmental issues, and public health. The article aims to define the philosophy of the international anti-nuclear movement, “Nevada-Semey” (“Struggle for peace, on their own land”). The authors point to the causal link that the researched international anti-nuclear campaign is a social phenomenon that emerged as a consequence of the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site activity. Therefore, the academic writings, and normative documents concerning the work of this nuclear testing ground and its consequences for the environment and human health are analysed first of all. Journalistic studies, scientific articles, and monographs on the international anti-nuclear movement “Nevada-Semey” are studied and analysed. The authors of the article found and investigated that the studied campaign had its philosophy, along with the main goal it was concerned with humanitarian aid and legal provision for residents of settlements affected by the polygon.

The quality of beef in the conditions of the former Semipalatinsk Test Site.

The territory of the Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site represents vast areas of grassy steppes, their use as pastures seems promising. The purpose of work was to compare beef samples obtained from settlements belonging to different categories of radiation risk: Kokpekty village, Chagan urban-type settlement, Krivinka village, Sarzhal village, threesamples were examined from each settlement. Organoleptic analysis, radiometric determination of 137 Cs, was used as criteria. Also, an analysis of the amino acid composition by the high-performance liquid chromatograph method was carried out and a calculation of protein indicators was made: meat tenderness, amino acid usefulness, nutrition value. The organoleptic examination showed the compliance of all samples with the standards, with the exception of one sample from the Sarzhal village. The study of the specific activity of 137 Cs showed a direct correlation between the category of radiation risk and the content of this radioisotope in meat from different zones. The availability of some deviations in the samples indicators obtained from the Sarzhal village indicates the need to approach the products control from this zone more carefully, and radioisotope analysis should become a decisive criterion in determining the safety profile of the product.

DETERMINATION OF OPTIMAL ACTIVITY OF RADIOACTIVE IODINE 131 AT TREATMENT OF THYROID CANCER OF POPULATION OF REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN

This article is devoted to the problem of a high level of oncological diseases of the population of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The analysis of the presented statistical data indicates an annual increase in the number of detection of registered oncological diseases in the population of the Republic of Kazakhstan. With regard to our region, the annual increase in the number of cancer detection in the population of the Abai region, which is undoubtedly due to the existence of the former Semipalatinsk nuclear test site on this territory, leads to the need for further research to improve the prediction of the treatment process of patients with cancer. Currently, the method of radioiodotherapy presented in the work is actively used for the treatment of oncological diseases, and in particular thyroid cancer. This method of treatment allows you to destroy cancer cells, surgical removal of which is not possible. An accurate calculation of the activity of the drug to be taken by the patient allows you to reduce the dose load on the patient and at the same time achieve the desired therapeutic effect. The paper presents formulas that are used to calculate the radiation dose of patients for the successful treatment of thyroid cancer. This method of treatment is carried out in the department of "Radionuclide Therapy" of the Center for Nuclear Medicine and Oncology of Semey.

Study of radionuclide composition of the drinking water potential sources at the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site.

The contamination degree with artificial radionuclides of the "Degelen" site streams, as well as the wells and boreholes fed from the underground water sources, has been studied. These objects are the potential sources of drinking water at the Semipalatinsk Nuclear test site. Such approach made it possible to identify the most significant radionuclides-contaminants typical for the selected objects, to reveal the nature of contaminants distribution, and to calculate the radionuclide indices for all the sampling points. According to the obtained data, recommendations can be provided on water purification of the studied objects in order to meet the hygienic criteria for drinking water quality.

Создание для целей кадастра трехмерной карты угольного месторождения «Каражыра», загрязненного техногенными радионуклидами

The closure of the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site (SNTS) and the introduction of its lands into the national economic circulation makes it possible to carry out various economic activities on its territory. Such activity also includes the development of the Karazhyra coal deposit located on its territory. During the nuclear tests, technogenic radionuclides contaminated the upper soil layer of this deposit, as well as groundwater. Currently, during overburden operations and subsequent coal mining, intensive dust formation occurs, which leads to secondary pollution by wind transfer of technogenic radionuclides, which leads to an expansion of the polluted area over the territory adjacent to the landfill. At the same time, the direction of transfer largely depends on the wind rose, which changes throughout the year. The transfer of radionuclides also occurs when contaminated coal is transported by road to Semey to industrial enterprises, as well as to the population of private houses. To ensure monitoring of the development of secondary pollution of this deposit and the territory adjacent to the landfill, it is necessary, in order to safely conduct economic activities, in particular cadastral activities, to display the level of pollution and the dynamics of its expansion on boundary plans. In this regard, consideration of this issue is relevant and timely. The article indicates the types of work that have an impact on the radiation situation of the environment, including on the lands adjacent to the Karazhyr coal mine. It has been established that the method of performing geodetic and cadastral work will be influenced by the level of territory contamination with technogenic radio nuclides. To display the level of pollution at different horizons, a method for creating a three-dimensional map of the deposit and a part of the territory adjacent to it is proposed.

Overestimation of medical consequences of low-dose exposures to ionizing radiation

Overestimation of medical consequences of low-dose exposures to ionizing radiation contributes to the strangulation of nuclear energy production. Several examples of the overestimation are discussed here: the Chernobyl accident, East Urals Radioactive Trace and Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site. Results of certain studies of Chernobyl-related malignancies should be reassessed taking into account that some cases, classified as aggressive radiogenic cancers, were in fact late-stage malignancies. Associations of various markers with the tumor progression can become a field for future research and re-interpretation of data obtained in studies comparing malignancies from different regions. Reported correlations between low-dose exposures and non-malignant diseases call in question the cause-effect character of such correlations for cancer reported by the same and other researchers. The correlations may have been caused or influenced by bias, in particular, the dose-dependent selection and self-selection: individuals with higher dose estimates would be on average more motivated to undergo medical checkups and given more attention. Therefore, diagnostics tend to be more efficient in people with higher doses. Lifelong animal experiments are a promising approach to the research of dose-response relationships.

Бахия Атшабаров өмір жолының беймәлім беттер

The article deals with the life and work of the world-famous scientist, Doctor of medical sciences, Academician of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan Bahia Atshabarovich Atshabarov, who left a significant mark in the history of independent Kazakhstan and made a great contribution to its development. The authors pay attention to the unknown and unstudied pages from the biography of the famous specialist in the field of medicine B.A. Atshabarov, who was one of the first in 1957–1960 to investigate the terrible consequences of the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site for the people of Kazakhstan, demonstrating his civic position and patriotism. The study of the personality of Bahia Atshabarov as an outstanding scientist, organizer, and patriot relies on the use of general scientific and special methodological principles. An objective analysis of various assessments of the consequences of nuclear tests at the Semipalatinsk test site during the Soviet period, personal documents of B.A. Atshabarov and other eyewitnesses allowed us to reveal the multifaceted personality of B.A. Atshabarov.

Congenital Heart Disease in Children Living Close to the Former Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site: Frequency, Structure, and Links with Connective Tissue Dysplasia

Background: Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common serious congenital disorder. CHD is the leading cause of death in the first year of life. One of the factors influencing the incidence of CHD is collagen structural abnormalities such as connective tissue dysplasia (CTD).
 Aim: To study the prevalence of CHD and its subtypes, to determine the combination of CHD and CTD with minor cardiac abnormalities (MCA).
 Methods: A retrospective study on the prevalence of CHD in the Republic of Kazakhstan and Semey city and a case-control study in the pediatric clinic of the Medical University Hospital was conducted.
 With CHD, CTD, and healthy children were included in the study. Children of all groups were examined according to the methodology, which included a collection of medical and family history; clinical examination; assessment of CHD severity. The collected data were then analyzed using SPSS software.
 Results: The prevalence of CHD in Semey was 6.9 per 1,000 live births. Atrial septal defect and ventricular septal defect were the most common CHD subtypes. The phenotype was represented by the asthenic physique, joint hypermobility, ear anomalies, and scoliosis. MCAs were in children with CHD and CTD. Mitral valve prolapse and left ventricular false tendons were detected most frequently.
 Conclusion: MCAs detected in children with CTD. CTD is a factor influencing the severity of CHD.

On the issue of the formation of transboundary zones of accumulation of environmental harm

The article considers a new concept in the modern cadastre of the zone of accumulation of environmental damage. The features of the geoinformation monitoring system of zones of accumulation of environmental harm in transboundary territories are considered. Examples of the formation of transboundary zones of accumulation of environmental harm are given. A map of zones of accumulation of environmental damage as a result of the spread of radioactive emissions from the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site has been compiled. The actual data on the area and nature of pollution in the zones of accumulation of environmental damage are shown. Practical examples demonstrate that environmental pollution can be cumulative in nature, as well as spread to transboundary territories. The problems that the system of geoinformation monitoring of zones of accumulation of environmental harm in transboundary territories allows to solve are considered.

Speciation of 137Cs, 90Sr, 241Am, and 239+240Pu artificial radionuclides in soils at the Semipalatinsk test site

This paper reports the speciation of 137Cs, 241Am, 90Sr and 239+240Pu in the soil samples of the Experimental Field (EF). The EF is a testing ground of the Semipalatinsk nuclear weapons test site used for surface and atmospheric tests. The study revealed low mobility of artificial radionuclides in the EF site soils.The revealed high radionuclide concentrations in soil mainly exist in tightly bound form. On average, the content of the tightly bound form of 137Cs was revealed to be below 98%, that of 90Sr - 94%, 241Am - 89%, and 239+240Pu - 98%.The radionuclides occurrence forms were analyzed in correlation with the physicochemical parameters of soils. Reliable relationships have been established between the content of carbonates and the content of the exchangeable, acid-soluble and strongly bound 90Sr forms in soils, as well as the content of the water-soluble salts and the content of the strongly bound 239+240Pu form in the soil.Similarly, we compared the distributions of the radionuclides speciation and their stable isotopes with their analogous elements in the soil. Unlike 137Cs and 90Sr, which are in a tightly bound form in the soils of the Experimental Field site, the main content of soil “competitors” of the 137Cs radionuclide – K and Cs is observed in an exchange form, less significantly in an acid-soluble form. The alkaline earth metals (analogous elements for 90Sr) are mainly observed as a composition of the exchangeable and acid-soluble forms. The results allow to conclude that there is no equilibrium distribution of the physicochemical forms of radionuclides introduced into the soil and the natural presence forms of their stable analogs in the soil. Such equilibrium distribution can only be achieved at a complete isotopic exchange in phases and soil components, which under the conditions of the Experimental Field is not possible in the near future.It can be concluded that the behavior of the studied radionuclides in soils is stipulated by the initial form delivered by the fallouts from tests at the EF site.

Activities of Kazakhstan on general disarmament

The whole world knows that with the closure of the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site, Kazakhstan was the first in the world to refuse nuclear weapons. By its unprecedented decision, which has no analogs in the world, the Republic of Kazakhstan has earned the moral right to demand the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons throughout the world and call upon the states that are members of the nuclear club to make the same decision. The article presents the results of deep scientific research of literature and scientific articles on the activities of Kazakhstan in the field of general disarmament and non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, which made it possible to present an overall picture of the current state of the problem. The ban on nuclear weapons testing has become global. During 30 years of struggle for a nuclear-free world, Kazakhstan has been doing a lot of work on the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons throughout the world. The following initiatives allow all countries, regardless of their political, economic, and military capabilities, to participate in the discussion and resolution of the critical issues involved in abandoning nuclear weapons and developing projects for the peaceful use of atomic energy. The materials of this article can be used for further scientific research of Kazakhstan's position on the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, as well as for conducting classes with students and cadets on the disciplines "Modern History of Kazakhstan" and "Political Science".

Distribution of plutonium isotopes in soils between two nuclear test sites: Semipalatinsk and Lop Nor

Plutonium (Pu) has attracted attention as an environmental tracer due to its radiotoxicity and the possibility of sources linked with nuclear accidents in recent years. Plutonium isotopes (239,240Pu) were detected at trace levels in soils collected from the Xinjiang region located between the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site and China's Lop Nor nuclear test site. Little is known regarding the spatial variation of 239,240Pu in soils from this region. This study reports the use of Sector Field Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (SF-ICP-MS) methods to distinguish between Pu isotopes derived from global fallout and nuclear weapon tests. We found that the 239,240Pu activity concentrations ranged from 0.035 to 1.338 mBq/g; the 240Pu/239Pu atomic ratios were 0.157–0.223 with a weighted average of 0.180 ± 0.002, corresponding with the expected average global fallout ratio of 0.180 ± 0.014. This indicated that global fallout is the major source of Pu in the study region. The 239,240Pu inventories in these soils ranged from 23.67 to 222.7 Bq/m2, corresponding with those from other areas in China and other countries within the latitude range. Our Pu isotope data was supplemented with other published Pu data for soils collected in the vicinity of the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site and Lop Nor nuclear test site. Results indicate that 239,240Pu inventories and 240Pu/239Pu atomic ratios in soils exhibit large variations with distance from the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site. High deposition and accumulation of Pu, and low 240Pu/239Pu ratios were observed in close-in fallout and downwind regions of the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site and China's Lop Nor nuclear test site.

Chronic human exposure to ionizing radiation: Individual variability of chromosomal aberration frequencies and G0 radiosensitivities

Bio-monitoring of human radiation exposure is based, as a rule, on a single analysis of chromosomal aberrations. Factors such as radiosensitivity, adaptation, and the stability of cytogenetic indices are not taken into account. We studied frequency of chromosome aberrations (FCA) and G0 chromosome radiosensitivity following in vitro γ-exposure, over a 2.5-year period, for 129 residents of the Dolon settlement, part of the extreme radiation risk zone, Semipalatinsk nuclear test site region, Kazakhstan. Radiosensitivity was evaluated on the basis of FCA and dose assessment by physical dosimetry. FCA was 3-fold higher in Dolon inhabitants as in the control group (p ≤ 0.01). The average coefficient of variability of spontaneous FCA was 31 %. In 20 % of the subjects, it was very high (50–70 %). Individual dose estimation in a single study in such individuals may lead to significant errors. Individual G0-chromosomal radiosensitivity showed less variation (18.7 %). Chronic low-dose irradiation was an adaptive factor to the damaging dose (1 Gy). Three methods of individual radiosensitivity assessment were considered, based on: G0-chromosomal radiosensitivity under additional in vitro γ-radiation; FCA and average dose per year; FCA and total dose received during years of residence in a radiocontaminated settlement, according to physical dosimetry. There is a significant difference in response (FCA) between radiosensitive and radioresistant individuals. This should be taken into account in individual dosimetry and risk assessment of radiation exposure.

Epidemiology of stroke and transient ischemic attacks in the population of the territories adjacent to the former Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site, Kazakhstan.

The issue of radiation exposure as a potential cause of cerebrovascular disease raises many concerns. The aim of the present study was to investigate the epidemiology of stroke and transient ischemic attacks (TIA) along with the associated risk factors among the population of East Kazakhstan exposed to ionising radiation from the former Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site (SNTS) in comparison with the unexposed population of the same region. This 5-year retrospective cross-sectional study included the data on 10,970 patients, of whom the majority (62.3%) suffered from ischemic stroke, 11.7% had hemorrhagic stroke and the remaining 26.0% had TIA. At the moment when stroke/TIA happened, exposed patients were younger than the unexposed (mean age 63years versus 64years, p < 0.001) and showed higher rates of nearly all associated comorbidities, which commonly were more severe. Besides, exposed patients showed a higher risk of stroke lethality in contrast with the unexposed. The observed features might indicate that people residing in the vicinity of the SNTS are vulnerable to cerebrovascular disease and thus, this study contributes to timely recognition of this public health problem. In addition, a longitudinal study has to be envisaged to clarify whether there is any cause-effect relationship between exposure to radiation from the SNTS and the development of stroke or transient ischemic attacks.

THE SEMIPALATINSK NUCLEAR TEST SITE RESEARCH: BIBLIOMETRIC ANALYSIS OF THE DOCUMENTARY CORPUS SELECTED OF THE RUSSIAN SCIENCE CITATION INDEX

The article represents the bibliometric analysis of the documentary corpus devoted to studying the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site selected of the database Russian Science Citation Index. It shows the publication dynamics over a thirty-year period, the specific structure of the documentary corpus; revels that the documents are thematically structured as follows: research of the medical and biological consequences of radiation exposure (genetic consequences of ionizing radiation exposure; diseases induced by radiation exposure); assessment of the consequences of nuclear tests for the environment (environmental monitoring, radiation situation, pollution of separate environment elements), historical and socio-legal aspects of investigating the test site activity consequences.