Plankton as an indicator of the temporal variation of the Chernobyl fallout

Title: Plankton as an indicator of the temporal variation of the Chernobyl fallout

Author: O. Ravera, L. Giannoni

Reference: Science of The Total Environment, Volume 172, Issues 2–3, 30 November 1995, Pages 119-125

DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/0048-9697(95)04821-9

Keywords: Plankton; Radionuclides; Chernobyl; Lake Monate, Italy; Lake Comabbio, Italy

Abstract: Here we describe the pattern of radionuclide activities (iodine-131; cesium-134; cesium-137; ruthenium-106) in net-plankton and water samples collected from two lakes in Northern Italy (Lake Monate and Lake Comabbio) during and after the presence in the area of the radioactive cloud from the Chernobyl accident: from 30 April to 3 September 1986. The results show that, because of its short lifespan, plankton is a good indicator of daily variations of environmental contamination. The contamination level of plankton depends on various factors, such as the speciation and biological role of the radionuclide, the community structure and chemical characteristics of the water.

URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/0048969795048219

Changes in the forms of 137Cs and its availability for plants as dependent on properties of fallout after the Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident

Title: Changes in the forms of ¹³⁷Cs and its availability for plants as dependent on properties of fallout after the Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident

Author: N.I. Sanzharova, S.V. Fesenko, R.M. Alexakhin, V.S. Anisimov, V.K. Kuznetsov, L.G. Chernyayeva

Reference: Science of The Total Environment, Volume 154, Issue 1, 1 September 1994, Pages 9-22

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/0048-9697(94)90609-2

Keywords: Chernobyl NPP; Radionuclide; Forms in soil; Availability; Transfer factor; Ecological half line

Abstract: The dynamics of exchangeable and acid soluble ¹³⁷Cs content in soils, as well as ¹³⁷Cs transfer factors for natural vegetation were studied for different sites within a 50-km zone around the Chernobyl nuclear power plant after the 1986 accident. Changes in ¹³⁷Cs forms in soils during the 6 years after the accidental release of radioactive substances and availability of this radionuclide to plants at that time were dependent on the character of radioactive fallout (fuel particles, aerosols of different dispersion) and soil type. Transformation of different ¹³⁷Cs species in soils with time after the accident was observed (destruction of fuel particles, ageing of ¹³⁷Cs and changes in the ¹³⁷Cs sorption strength of the soil solid phase). Behaviour of ¹³⁷Cs in the ‘near’ and ‘remote’ zones was different. The content of exchangeable ¹³⁷Cs in soils was found to have decreased after the accident. The average half-life of ¹³⁷Cs in grass stand in dry meadow in the ‘remote’ zone is 3.5 years, and in the second (slower) period after the accident, this half-life for ¹³⁷Cs will amount to about 17 years. The ¹³⁷Cs transfer factors for peaty swamped soils were 3.7–6.6 times as high as for soils of automorphous series.

URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/0048969794906092

Simulation of the chernobyl radioactive cloud over Europe using the eurad model

Title: Simulation of the chernobyl radioactive cloud over Europe using the eurad model

Author: H. Hass, M. Memmesheimer, H. Geiβ, H.J. Jakobs, M. Laube, A. Ebel

Reference: Atmospheric Environment. Part A. General Topics, Volume 24, Issue 3, 1990, Pages 673-692

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/0960-1686(90)90022-F

Keywords: Forecast; accidental release; Chernobyl; long-range transport; deposition; radionuclides

Abstract: The opean cid eposition Model (EURAD) is used to investigate the long-range transport (LRT) and deposition of radioactive material in Europe during the first week after the Chernobyl accident. Emphasis is laid on using the model system in a forecast mode as possibly would be done shortly after such an event. Thus, meteorological fields are predicted with the PSU/NCAR mososcale model MM4.The multilayer Eulerian model CTM ( hemistry ransport ) is applied to compute transport and deposition of Cs-137 and I-131 using the predicted meteorological fields. However, the accident scenario was estimated using published data. The model results and performance are discussed by comparison with observations. It is demonstrated that the model can reproduce certain observed characteristics of the radioactive cloud, i.e. trends in surface air concentrations, arrival times and wet deposition patterns. This leads to the suggestion that the predictive capability of the EURAD-system has a relatively high level considering the fact that several simple approaches were used.

URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/096016869090022F

Geographical mapping and associated fractal analysis of the long-lived Chernobyl fallout radionuclides in Greece

Title: Geographical mapping and associated fractal analysis of the long-lived Chernobyl fallout radionuclides in Greece

Author: N.P Petropoulos, M.J Anagnostakis, E.P Hinis, S.E Simopoulos

Reference: Journal of Environmental Radioactivity, Volume 53, Issue 1, 2001, Pages 59-66

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0265-931X(00)00111-9

Keywords: Chernobyl fallout; Mapping; Fractal analysis; Deposition pattern

Abstract: Immediately after the Chernobyl accident, a soil sampling programme was undertaken in order to detect and quantitatively analyse the long-lived radionuclides in the Chernobyl fallout. Soil samples (1242 in number) of 1 cm thick surface soil were collected in Greece during the period from May–November 1986. The samples were counted and analysed using Ge detector set-ups. The fallout data have already been analysed, mapped and published. In an attempt to improve this analysis and also to extend it to other fallout radionuclides, an in-house unix-based data base/geographical information system (DBGIS) was developed. Multifractal analyses of the deposition patterns have also been performed. In the present work, an analysis of the results of the deposition of [, , , , , , , , ]and are presented together with relevant fractal analysis and three characteristic contour maps. The maximum detected values of the above-mentioned radionuclides were 149.5±0.1, 76.1±0.1, 32.9±0.2, 46±2, 4.56±0.02, 7.98±0.02, 79.1±0.4, 337±2, 20.1±0.2 and 3.02±0.02 kBq m⁻², respectively. Furthermore, a statistical technique to compare contour maps was introduced and applied to explain the differences which appeared in the maps of the above-mentioned radionuclides.

URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0265931X00001119

Vertical distribution of radionuclides in soil of a grassland site in Chernobyl exclusion zone

Title: Vertical distribution of radionuclides in soil of a grassland site in Chernobyl exclusion zone

Author: Peter Bossew, Michael Gastberger, Herbert Gohla, Peter Hofer, Alexander Hubmer

Keywords: Chernobyl; Radionuclides; Vertical migration in soil

Abstract: Five soil profiles from a site about 8 km SE of the Chernobyl NPP were investigated for the vertical distribution of radionuclides. The average ¹³⁷Cs-inventory at the site is about 2.6 MBq/m² (reference date 1 May 1986). Apart from ¹³⁷Cs, the following radionuclides have been identified (their activity ratios to ¹³⁷Cs in brackets): ¹³⁴Cs (0.537), ¹²⁵Sb (0.068), ⁶⁰Co (0.0022), ¹⁵⁴Eu (0.016), ¹⁵⁵Eu (0.020), ^94gNb (9.5E-5), ^239/240Pu (0.0088), ²³⁸Pu (0.040), ⁹⁰Sr (0.30) and ²⁴¹Am (0.011). Apparent vertical migration velocities are between 0.14 and 0.26 cm/a, apparent dispersion coefficients range from 0.02 to 0.13 cm²/a. The rankings of the velocities v for different radionuclides are (Sr, Cs, Sb, Co, Pu)<AmD, the following rankings have been found: (Nb, Sr, Cs)<Am<Eu, Csp=0.1 level).

URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0265931X03002364

Hydrogeological influences on radionuclide migration from the major radioactive waste burial sites at Chernobyl (A review)

Title: Hydrogeological influences on radionuclide migration from the major radioactive waste burial sites at Chernobyl (A review)

Author: Dgepo, S.P. / Skalsky, A.S. / Bugai, D.A. / Marchuk, V.V. [Inst. of Geological Sciences, Kiev (Ukraine)] / Waters, R.D. [Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (United States)]

Reference: Mar 1994

doi: 10.2172/10135061

Keywords: Radioactive waste disposal, Ukraine, radionuclides, hydrogeology

Abstract: This paper summarizes the recent hydrogeological investigations of several research organizations on waste confinement at the major radioactive waste (RW) burial sites immediately adjacent to the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant (Ch. NPP). Hydrogeological conditions and radiologic ground-water contamination levels are described. Ongoing ground-water monitoring practices are evaluated. The chemical and physical characteristics of the radionuclides within the burial sites are considered. Ground water and radionuclide transport modeling studies related to problems of the RW disposal sites are also reviewed. Current concerns on future impacts of the RW burial sites on the hydrological environment and water resources of the Ch.NPP area are discussed.

URL: http://www.osti.gov/bridge/product.biblio.jsp?query_id=2&page=0&osti_id=10135061

Accumulation and potential dissolution of Chernobyl-derived radionuclides in river bottom sediment.

Title: Accumulation and potential dissolution of Chernobyl-derived radionuclides in river bottom sediment.

Author: Sanada, Yukihisa / Matsunaga, Takeshi / Yanase, Nobuyuki / Nagao, Seiya / Amano, Hikaru / Takada, Hideshige / Tkachenko, Yuri

Reference: Applied radiation and isotopes : including data, instrumentation and methods for use in agriculture, industry and medicine, 56 (5), p.751-760, May 2002

Keywords: radionuclides, river, 137Cs, 90Sr

Abstract: Areas contaminated with radionuclides from the Chernobyl nuclear accident have been identified in Pripyat River near the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant. The river bottom sediment cores contained 137Cs (10(5)-10(6) Bq/m2) within 0-30 cm depth, whose concentration is comparable to that in the ground soil in the vicinity of the nuclear power plant (the Exclusion Zone). The sediment cores also accumulated 90Sr (10(5) Bq/m2), (239,240)Pu (10(4) Bq/m2) and 241Am (10(4)Bq/m2) derived from the accident. Several nuclear fuel particles have been preserved at 20-25 cm depth that is the peak area of the concentrations of the radionuclides. These inventories in the bottom sediments were compared with those of the released radionuclides during the accident. An analysis using a selective sequential extraction technique was applied for the radionuclides in the sediments. Results suggest that the possibility of release of 137Cs and (293,240)Pu from the bottom sediment was low compared with 90Sr. The potential dissolution and subsequent transport of 90Sr from the river bottom sediment should be taken into account with respect to the long-term radiological influence on the aquatic environment.

URL: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11993951?dopt=Abstract

The relationship of soil organic carbon to 210 Pb ex and 137 Cs during surface soil erosion in a hillslope forested environment

Title: The relationship of soil organic carbon to 210 Pb ex and 137 Cs during surface soil erosion in a hillslope forested environment

Author: Teramage, Mengistu T. / Onda, Yuichi / Kato, Hiroaki / Wakiyama, Yoshifumi / Mizugaki, Shigeru / Hiramatsu, Shinya

Reference: Geoderma, 192, p.59-67, Jan 2013

doi:　10.1016/j.geoderma.2012.08.030

Keywords: ¹³⁷Cs; ²¹⁰Pb_ex; Distribution; Radionuclide; Soil; SOC

Abstract: ► We evaluate the correlation of SOC with ²¹⁰Pb_ex and ¹³⁷Cs in forest environments. ► SOC shows strong and persistent affinity to ²¹⁰Pb_ex than ¹³⁷Cs. ► In forest soil, SOC and ²¹⁰Pb_ex are replenished continuously from natural sources. ► ²¹⁰Pb_ex model can help to trace SOC in forests around the world.

URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0016706112003254

Validation of the Polyphemus platform on the ETEX, Chernobyl and Algeciras cases

Title: Validation of the Polyphemus platform on the ETEX, Chernobyl and Algeciras cases

Author: Quélo, Denis / Krysta, Monika / Bocquet, Marc / Isnard, Olivier / Minier, Yannick / Sportisse, Bruno

Reference: Atmospheric Environment, 41 (26), p.5300-5315, Aug 2007

doi: 10.1016/j.atmosenv.2007.02.035

Keywords: Radionuclides; Chernobyl; Algeciras; ETEX; Air quality modeling; Polyphemus; Polair3D; Long-range transport

Abstract: The objective of this article is to investigate the validity of a modeling system developed for forecasting atmospheric dispersion, the Polyphemus platform, with a special focus on radionuclides. The platform is briefly described and model-to-data comparisons are reported for three cases: the ETEX campaign, the Chernobyl accident and the Algeciras release. The results are similar to those usually given in the literature by state-of-the-art models. Some preliminary sensitivity analysis indicates the main sources for uncertainties.

URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1352231007001677

Association of dissolved radionuclides released by the Chernobyl accident with colloidal materials in surface water

Title: Association of dissolved radionuclides released by the Chernobyl accident with colloidal materials in surface water

Author: Matsunaga, Takeshi / Nagao, Seiya / Ueno, Takashi / Takeda, Seiji / Amano, Hikaru / Tkachenko, Yu.

Reference: Applied Geochemistry, 19 (10), p.1581-1599, Oct 2004

doi:10.1016/j.apgeochem.2004.02.002

Keywords: radionuclides, 137Cs, 90Sr, Plutonium, colloids

Abstract: The association of dissolved ⁹⁰Sr, ^239,240Pu and ²⁴¹Am with natural colloids was investigated in surface waters in the Chernobyl nuclear accident area. A 4-step ultrafiltration (UF) study (239,240Pu and 76% of ²⁴¹Am are distributed in colloids of the two size fractions larger than 10 kDa (nominal molecular weight limit of the filter, NMWL), while ⁹⁰Sr was found exclusively (85–88%) in the lowest molecular size fraction below 1 kDa (NMWL) for the Sahan River water at the highly contaminated area close to the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant (ChNPP). Consistent results were obtained by 2-step fractionation (larger than and smaller than 10 kDa (NMWL)) for river and lake waters including other locations within about 30 km away from ChNPP. It is likely that Pu and Am isotopes were preferentially associated with dissolved organic matter of high molecular size, as suggested by the fact that (i) only a few inorganic elements (Mg, Ca, Sr, Si, Mn, Al) were found in the colloidal size ranges, and (ii) the positive correlation between dissolved organic C (DOC) concentrations and UV absorbance at 280 nm, a broad absorption peak characteristic of humic substances (HS) was found. A model calculation on the complexation of Pu and Am with HS as an organic ligand suggests that the complexed form could be dominant at a low DOC concentration of 1 mgC L⁻¹, that is commonly encountered as a lower limit in fresh surface water. The present results suggest the general importance of natural organic colloids in dictating the chemical form of actinides in the surface aquatic environment.

URL: http://www.experts.scival.com/kanazawa/pubDetail.asp?id=2942700456&o_id=36