Classification of hot particles from the Chernobyl accident and nuclear weapons detonations by non-destructive methods

Keywords: Hot particles; Chernobyl; Weapons tests; Fallout; Characterisation; Analysis

Abstract: Both after the Chernobyl accident and nuclear weapon detonations, agglomerates of radioactive material, so-called hot particles, were released or formed which show a behaviour in the environment quite different from the activity released in gaseous or aerosol form. The differences in their characteristic properties, in the radionuclide composition and the uranium and actinide contents are described in detail for these particles. While nuclear bomb hot particles (both from fission and fusion bombs) incorporate well detectable trace amounts of ⁶⁰Co and ¹⁵²Eu, these radionuclides are absent in Chernobyl hot particles. In contrast, Chernobyl hot particles contain ¹²⁵Sb and ¹⁴⁴Ce which are absent in atomic bomb HPs. Obvious differences are also observable between fusion and fission bombs’ hot particles (significant differences in ¹⁵²Eu/¹⁵⁵Eu, ¹⁵⁴Eu/¹⁵⁵Eu and ²³⁸Pu/²³⁹Pu ratios) which facilitate the identification of HPs of unknown provensence. The ratio of ²³⁹Pu/²⁴⁰Pu in Chernobyl hot particles could be determined by a non-destructive method at 1 : 1.5. A non-destructive method to determine the content of non-radioactive elements by Kα-emission measurements was developed by which inactive Zr, Nb, Fe and Ni could be verified in the particles.

URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0265931X01000133

Bioindication of the anthropogenic effects on micropopulations of Pinus sylvestris, L. in the vicinity of a plant for the storage and processing of radioactive waste and in the Chernobyl NPP zone.

Keywords: Bioindication; Pinus sylvestris L.; Chromosome aberrations; Chernobyl accident

Abstract: Results of a comparative analysis of the frequency and spectrum of cytogenetic anomalies are presented for reproductive (seeds) and vegetative (needles) samples taken from Scotch pine (Pinus sylvestris, L.) micropopulations growing at sites with differing levels of radioactive contamination in the Chernobyl NPP 30 km zone, and at the location of a facility for the processing and storage of radioactive wastes (the ‘Radon’ LWPE, near the town of Sosnovy Bor in the Leningrad Region). The data obtained indicate the presence of genotoxic contaminants in the environment of the tree micropopulations. Chemical toxins make the main contribution to the environmental contamination in the Sosnovy Bor area as compared with the influence of ionising radiation in the Chernobyl 30 km zone. The higher radioresistance of seeds of Scotch pine growing on the area of the ‘Radon’ LWPE and in the centre of Sosnovy Bor town was revealed with acute γ-radiation.

URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0265931X02001224

Fukushima set for epic clean-up

DOI: 10.1038/472146a

Keywords: RADIOISOTOPES ,MARINE pollution, CHERNOBYL,JAPAN, UKRAINE,FUKUSHIMA Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant

Abstract: The article focuses on the clean-up strategies related to the damaged nuclear reactors of Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant in Japan. Environmental and radiological health expert at Colorado State University Ward Whicker suggest that sampling efforts in the locations of the nuclear accident are necessary to monitor radionuclides concentration in the marine environment. Moreover, similar strategy at Chernobyl Nuclear Accident in Ukraine in 1986 is being considered.

URL: http://www.nature.com/news/2011/110411/full/472146a.html

Higher Plant Assays for the Detection of Genotoxicity in Air Polluted Environments.

Title: Higher Plant Assays for the Detection of Genotoxicity in Air Polluted Environments.

Author: William F. Grant

Reference: Ecosystem Health, Volume 4, Issue 4, pages 210–229, December 1998

DOI: 10.1046/j.1526-0992.1998.98097.x

Keywords:Genotoxicity,Air pollution

Abstract: Since the beginning of time pollution has been created by human activities. However, the intensity and the severity of the different kinds of pollution have emerged only in the last few decades and many intricate facets have been revealed. It is gradually being recognized that our health and the ecosystem are being severely affected by environmental chemicals that enter the atmosphere. Plants comprise a large portion of our biosphere and constitute a vital link in the food chain. In this review, types of mutagenic chemicals found both indoor and outdoor are given and several higher plant bioassays for screening and monitoring environmental mutagens are discussed. One plant ideal for monitoring and testing for air pollution is Tradescantia. This species has been used to test for mutagenicity of radioisotope-contaminated air following the Chernobyl nuclear accident and monitoring around nuclear power plants. One of the greatest contributions of plant bioassays will be their continued use for ambient air monitoring and testing for genotoxicity which can be carried out on a global scale.

URL: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1046/j.1526-0992.1998.98097.x/abstract

Recent sedimentation in the Black Sea: New insights from radionuclide distributions and sulfur isotopes

Title: Recent sedimentation in the Black Sea: New insights from radionuclide distributions and sulfur isotopes.

Author: Yücel, Mustafa; Moore, Willard S.; Butler, Ian B.; Boyce, Adrian; Luther, George W.

Reference: Deep-Sea Research Part I, Oceanographic Research Papers. Aug2012, Vol. 66, p103-113. 11p.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.dsr.2012.04.007

Keywords: Black Sea; Sediment; Mass accumulation rate; Pyrite; Sulfur isotope

Abstract: ► Mass accumulation rates (MAR) in the abyssal Black Sea were 61 to 76 g m⁻² yr⁻¹. ► These values point to increasing MARs for the past century. ► In the cores with turbidites, we used Chernobyl-derived Cs-137 to compute MAR. ► In turbidite-impacted cores, MAR can be as high as 5230 g m⁻² yr⁻¹. ► Fast deposition was reflected in the pyrite sulfur isotopic ratios as well.

URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S096706371200088X

Levels and trends of radioactive contaminants in the Greenland environment

Title: Levels and trends of radioactive contaminants in the Greenland environment

Author: Henning Dahlgaard, Mats Eriksson, Sven P. Nielsen, Hans Pauli Joensen

Reference: Science of the Total Environment. Sep2004, Vol. 331 Issue 1-3, p53-67. 15p.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2004.03.023

Keywords: Caesium-137; Strontium-90; Technetium-99; Plutonium-239-240; Polonium-210; Greenland; Environmental radioactivity

Abstract: Levels of radioactive contaminants in various Greenland environments have been assessed during 1999–2001. The source of ¹³⁷Cs, ⁹⁰Sr and ^239,240Pu in terrestrial and fresh water environments is mainly global fallout. In addition, the Chernobyl accident gave a small contribution of ¹³⁷Cs. Reindeer and lamb contain the largest observed ¹³⁷Cs concentrations in the terrestrial environment—up to 80 Bq kg⁻¹ fresh weight have been observed in reindeer. Due to special environmental conditions, ¹³⁷Cs is transferred to landlocked Arctic char with extremely high efficiency in South Greenland leading to concentrations up to 100 Bq kg⁻¹ fresh weight. In these cases very long ecological half-lives are seen. Concentrations of ⁹⁹Tc, ¹³⁷Cs and ⁹⁰Sr in seawater and in marine biota decrease in the order North-East Greenland and the coastal East Greenland current>South-West Greenland>Central West Greenland and North-West Greenland>Irmiger Sea∼Faroe Islands. The general large-scale oceanic circulation combined with European coastal discharges and previous contamination of the Arctic Ocean causes this.

URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969704002025

Determination of plutonium from different sources in environmental samples using alpha-spectrometry and AMS

Title: Determination of plutonium from different sources in environmental samples using alpha-spectrometry and AMS

Author:　Bisinger, T. ; Hippler, S. ; Michel, R. ; Wacker, L.; Synal, H.-A.

Reference: Nuclear Instruments & Methods in Physics Research, Section B (Beam Interactions with Materials and Atoms) April 2010, vol.268, no.7-8, pp. 1269-72.

DOI: 10.1016/j.nimb.2009.10.150

Keywords: Plutonium; Chernobyl; Fallout; AMS; Alpha-spectrometry

Abstract: A reliable and sensitive method for the determination of plutonium in environmental samples by a combined use of alpha-spectrometry and accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) is presented. Different environmental samples contaminated with plutonium from the Chernobyl accident and other sources were investigated using both methods. Plutonium was chemically separated using extraction chromatography. As a chemical yield tracer, ²⁴²Pu was applied for both AMS and alpha-spectrometry. After the alpha-spectrometric measurements, the samples were converted to targets suitable for the AMS measurements. AMS was especially chosen in addition to alpha-spectrometry, because it allows the determination of ²⁴⁰Pu/²³⁹Pu isotopic ratios as well as detecting the beta-emitting radionuclide ²⁴¹Pu. Besides the generally used activity ratios of ²³⁸Pu/^239,240Pu, there are now further optional isotopic ratios available using this method. By combining AMS with alpha-spectrometry, all relevant plutonium isotopes can be measured. Thereby a reliable distinction of different sources of plutonium in the environment is possible.

URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0168583X09011999

Analysis of 129I in lichens by accelerator mass spectrometry through a microwave-based sample preparation method

Title: Analysis of ¹²⁹I in lichens by accelerator mass spectrometry through a microwave-based sample preparation method

Author:　Go´mez-Guzma´n, J.M.; Lo´pez-Guti´errez, J.M.; Pinto, A.R.; Holm, M.E.; Garci´a-Leo´n, M.

Reference: Nuclear Instruments & Methods in Physics Research, Section B (Beam Interactions with Materials and Atoms) April 2010, vol.268, no.7-8, pp. 1171-4.

DOI: 10.1016/j.nimb.2009.10.126

Keywords: Iodine-129; Lichen; Reprocessing plants; Fall-out; Chernobyl; AMS

Abstract: The presence of ¹²⁹I in the environment has been strongly influenced by the artificial nuclear emissions since the beginning of the nuclear era in the mid 20th century. In order to know more about the different sources and their relative impact in different zones, it is necessary to complete the amount of measurements of this radionuclide in environmental samples. In this work, ¹²⁹I has been determined in lichen samples (Cladonia alpestris) from Rogen Lake in Central Sweden. A method based on microwave digestion was developed for these measurements in order to improve speed and reduce contamination. Based on this method, ¹²⁹I concentrations in some lichen samples from Lake Rogen (Sweden) have been measured, showing the impact of the Chernobyl accident and nuclear fuel reprocessing plants.

URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0168583X09011756

Meeting the energy challenge for the environment: The role of safety.

Title: Meeting the energy challenge for the environment: The role of safety.

Author: Mampaey, Lucas

Reference: Nuclear Engineering & Design. Aug2006, Vol. 236 Issue 14-16, p1460-1463. 4p.

DOI: 10.1016/j.nucengdes.2006.02.017

Keywords:safety,

Abstract: Nuclear power has an overwhelming potential to meet the demands of an energy hungry world while protecting the environment. However, the renaissance of nuclear energy will only become true when the public can be convinced that nuclear power plants are safe and that a strong safety culture exists around the globe. While the overall safety performance of the world”s power plants had been steadily improved after the shock of Chernobyl, unfortunately, the overall plant availability has levelled off in the last few years. The main reason for this is found in a complacency toward nuclear safety issues which can be linked to the arrival of new CEOs in the nuclear industry who – all too often – have no nuclear background and who manage nuclear power plants in the same way they would manage any other industrial plants – being not at all aware of the necessity of a very special and very sensitive safety culture of nuclear installations

URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0029549306003219

High-resolution historical records from Pettaquamscutt River basin sediments: 1. 210Pb and varve chronologies validate record of 137Cs released by the Chernobyl accident

Title: High-resolution historical records from Pettaquamscutt River basin sediments: 1. ²¹⁰Pb and varve chronologies validate record of ¹³⁷Cs released by the Chernobyl accident

Author: Lima, Ana Lúcia; Hubeny, J. Bradford; Reddy, Christopher M.; King, John W.; Hughen, Konrad A.; Eglinton, Timothy I.

Reference: Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta. Apr2005, Vol. 69 Issue 7, p1803-1812. 10p.

DOI: 10.1016/j.gca.2004.10.009.

Keywords: Pettaquamscutt River, 210Pb, 137Cs, sediments

Abstract: Cesium-137 derived from the explosion of the Chernobyl reactor in 1986 was preserved in anoxic sediments from a coastal environment in southern Rhode Island. Although the radioactive plume was detected in surface air samples at several locations in the United States, this is the first known record of a Chernobyl ¹³⁷Cs peak in sediments from North America. The inventory of Chernobyl ¹³⁷Cs that was preserved in the Pettaquamscutt River is small compared to European counterparts and should only be detectable for the next 15–20 yr. However, the presence of two ¹³⁷Cs peaks (1963 and 1987) identifies a well-dated segment of the sediment column that could be exploited in understanding the decomposition and preservation of terrestrial and aquatic organic matter. Different methods for calculating the ²¹⁰Pb chronology were also evaluated in this study and checked against independent varve counting. The end result is a detailed chronology of a site well suited for reconstruction of historical records of environmental change.

URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0016703704007975