Transuranic elements in Belarus

Author: Konoplya E.F., Kudryashov V.P., Grinevich S.V., Korol R.A., Bazhanova N.N., Bykovsky V.V.

Reference:  Gazette “РАДИАЦИОННАЯ БИОЛОГИЯ. РАДИОЭКОЛОГИЯ“ (Radiation Biology, Radioecology), 2009

doi: 10.1134/S0869803109040171 

Keywords: isotope, transuranic elements, radioactive fallout

Abstract: Study of the isotopic composition and its changes in the radioactive fallout caused by the Chernobyl accident. Defines levels of transuranic elements in the main components of the ecosystem – air, soil, water, plants and animals in the Republic of Belarus. Describes the peculiar effects of transuranic elements on living organism. 

URL: http://elibrary.ru/item.asp?id=13856732

The spatial variability of Chernobyl-derived 137Cs inventories in a small agricultural drainage basin in central Russia

Title: The spatial variability of  Chernobyl-derived ¹³⁷Cs inventories in a small agricultural drainage basin in central Russia

Author: V.N. Golosov, D.E. Walling, A.V. Panin, E.D. Stukin, E.V. Kvasnikova, N.N. Ivanova

Reference: Applied Radiation and Isotopes, Volume 51, Issue 3, September 1999, Pages 341-352

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0969-8043(99)00050-0

Keywords: Chernobyl; Radionuclides; Fallout; Caesium-137; Post-fallout redistribution

Abstract: Little information currently exists regarding the small-scale spatial variability of Chernobyl radiocaesium fallout and associated inventories. This contribution reports the results of a study of the variability of inventories within the 2.18-km² Lapki balka catchment located near Tula in central Russia. The local area was characterized by inventories in excess of 200 kBq m⁻² immediately after the Chernobyl accident and pre-existing bomb-derived inventories can be ignored in view of their very low magnitude. Field sampling and measurements included both collection of soil cores for subsequent laboratory analysis and in situ field measurements using a CORAD portable detector. The results obtained show evidence of a systematic south–north increase in the reference inventory across the basin, which must be taken into account when interpreting subsequent radiocaesium redistribution within the basin. Random spatial variability of inventories of a similar magnitude to that reported for bomb-derived fallout was also documented. The extent of random spatial variability varied between different geomorphological units. Maximum variability, with coefficients of variation up to 20%,was associated with areas of sediment accumulation within the balka bottoms. Substantial variability (cv. typically ca. 15%) was found within flat cultivated areas and undisturbed areas both on the interfluves and on the balka sides, all of which could serve as reference sites. Minimum variability (cv. typically ca. 12%) was associated with the cultivated slopes with no evidence of sediment accumulation.

URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0969804399000500

Transfer of radiocaesium in sensitive agricultural environments after the Chernobyl fallout in Sweden. II. Marginal and seminatural areas in the county of Jämtland

Title: Transfer of radiocaesium in sensitive agricultural environments after the Chernobyl fallout in Sweden. II. Marginal and seminatural areas in the county of Jämtland
Author: Klas Rosén
Reference: Science of The Total Environment, Volume 182, Issues 1–3, 5 April 1996, Pages 135-145

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/0048-9697(95)05059-0

Keywords: Radiocaesium; Grass; Fallout; Chernobyl; Contamination

Abstract: In 1986, two Chernobyl-affected areas in the county of Jämtland, a mountain area and a river valley area, were investigated as to radiocaesium behaviour and transfer to grass. The soil surface layer (0–10 cm) in 1986 and 1989 and grass samples in 1986–1994 were analysed on 9 temporary grassland sites and 8 permanent pasture sites, described individually. The aim of this investigation was to study the sensitivity of different soil types and the influence of normal farming practices, ploughing and K-fertilization on the caesium transfer, in short- and long-term perspectives after the Chernobyl fallout. As expected, the transfer of ¹³⁷Cs to grass was usually higher on permanent pasture than on temporary grassland. For both types of grassland, however, there was a considerable but different change of transfer with years. The transfer to grass in the year of the fallout, 1986, depended to a large extent on the thickness and interception capacity of the grass sward. In the following years, it also depended on the caesium-fixing capacity to clay minerals, on K-fertilization and the reverse process of K removal by plant uptake. Ploughing down the contaminated surface layer and the mixing of caesium with mineral soil were effective in reducing the transfer. During the period 1986–1994, the transfer was reduced considerably, showing a range of (0.1–177.3 m²/kg d.w.) × 10⁻³. The calculated annual reduction halftime, T_ar, increased with years after fallout. It is clearly shown that both countermeasures, ploughing and K-fertilization, are of potential value to decrease grass contamination. Where both measures were employed a reduction in the range of 78%–95% was recorded in the year after ploughing.

URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/0048969795050590

Reconstruction of radioactive plume characteristics along Chernobyl’s Western Trace

Title: Reconstruction of radioactive plume characteristics along Chernobyl’s Western Trace

Author: Ronald K. Chesser, Mikhail Bondarkov, Robert J. Baker, Jeffrey K. Wickliffe, Brenda E. Rodgers

Reference: Journal of Environmental Radioactivity, Volume 71, Issue 2, 2004, Pages 147-157

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0265-931X(03)00165-6

Keywords: Chernobyl; Radioactivity; Fallout; Dispersion; Aerosol

Abstract: Using data obtained from 435 radiation sampling stations in the Red Forest, 1.5 km W of the Chernobyl Nuclear Complex, we reconstructed the deposition pathway of the first plume released by the accident, Chernobyl’s Western Trace. The dimensions and deposition rates of the plume remain sharply defined 15 years after the accident. Assuming a uniform particle distribution within the original cloud, we derived estimates of plume dimensions by applying geometric transformations to the coordinates at each sample point. Our derived estimates for the radioactive cloud accounted for 87% of the variation of radioactivity in this region. Results show a highly integrated bell-shaped cross-section of the cloud of radiation, approximately 660 m wide and 290 m high, traveling at a bearing of 264° from reactor IV. Particle sizes within Chernobyl’s Western Trace were within the most dangerous range for inhaled aerosols (2–5 μm). Therefore, reconstruction of the dispersion of such particles is critical for understanding the aftermath of nuclear and biological aerosol releases.

URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0265931X03001656

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

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

Chernobyl’s subclinical legacy: Prenatal exposure to radioactive…

Title: Chernobyl’s subclinical legacy: Prenatal exposure to radioactive…
Author: Douglas Almond, Lena Edlundz, Marten Palme

Reference: [PDF-418K]Nov 2008

Abstract: We use prenatal exposure to Chernobyl fallout in Sweden as a natural experiment in cognitive ability. Students born in regions of Sweden with higher fallout performed worse in secondary school, Math in particular. Damage is accentuated within families (i.e., siblings comparison) and among children born to parents with low education. In contrast, we detect no corresponding damage to health outcomes. To the extent that parents responded to the cognitive endowment, we infer that parental investments reinforced the initial Chernobyl damage. From a public health perspective, our findings suggest that neural development is compromised at radiation doses currently considered safe.

URL: http://users.nber.org/~almond/revision_nov6.pdf

A comparative study on thyroid diseases among children in Gomel region, Belarus

Title: A comparative study on thyroid diseases among children in Gomel region, Belarus

Author: Shibata, Yoshisada / Masyakin, Vladimir B. / Panasyuk, Galina D. / Gomanova, Svetlana P. / Arkhipenko, Vladimir N. / Ashizawa, Kiyoto / Ito, Masahiro / (…) / Yamashita, Shunichi

Reference: International Congress Series, 1234, p.121-126, May 2002

doi: 10.1016/S0531-5131(01)00602-1

Keywords: Chernobyl accident; Causation; Epidemiology; Short-lived fallout; Thyroid cancer

Abstract: A study aimed at comparing the prevalence of thyroid diseases between children born before and after the accident was outlined with emphasis on rationale and design of the study. In the study, a total of 21 601 children in Gomel city and four districts in the neighborhood of Gomel city were examined from February 1998 to December 2000. There were 9720 children born from January 1, 1983 to April 26, 1986 (Group I), 2409 children born from April 27, 1986 to December 31, 1986 and 9472 children born from January 1, 1987 to December 31, 1989 (Group III). Out of the examined children, 32 (0.15%) thyroid cancers were found, among whom 31 were in Group I and one was in Group II, while no cases in Group III. Our findings demonstrate the likelihood that short-lived radioactive fallout due to the Chernobyl accident induced thyroid cancer in children living near Chernobyl.

URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0531513101006021

Distributions of 137Cs and 210Pb in moss collected from Belarus and Slovakia

• Title: Distributions of ¹³⁷Cs and ²¹⁰Pb in moss collected from Belarus and Slovakia

Author: Aleksiayenak, Yu.V. / Frontasyeva, M.V. / Florek, M. / Sykora, I. / Holy, K. / Masarik, J. / Brestakova, L. / (…) / Ramatlhape, K.I.

Reference: Journal of Environmental Radioactivity, 117, p.19-24, Mar 2013    

doi: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2012.01.018

Keywords: ¹³⁷Cs and ²¹⁰Pb in moss; 137Cs in surface air; Chernobyl fallout; Gamma spectroscopy

Abstract: ► Belarus moss was used as a biological indicator of ¹³⁷Cs and ²¹⁰Pb. ► Comparison with concentration of ¹³⁷Cs and ²¹⁰Pb in moss from Slovakia. ► Moss samples reflect the original distribution of Chernobyl fallout in Belarus. ► Regular decrease of the annual average activity of ¹³⁷Cs in surface air in Slovakia. ► Median concentration of ²¹⁰Pb in moss from Belarus is 2.3 times lower than in Slovakia.

URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0265931X1200029X