Seasonal 7 Be and 137 Cs activities in surface air before and after the Chernobyl event

Title: Seasonal 7 Be and 137 Cs activities in surface air before and after the Chernobyl event

Author: Kulan, A.

Reference: Journal of Environmental Radioactivity, 90 (2), p.140-150, Jan 2006

DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2006.06.010

Keywords: ⁷Be; ¹³⁷Cs; Atmosphere; Aerosols; Chernobyl fallout; Nuclear weapons fallout; Sweden; Europe

Abstract: Seasonal fluctuations of cosmogenic ⁷Be (T_1/2 = 53.4 days) and anthropogenic ¹³⁷Cs (T_1/2 = 30 years) activities in surface air (aerosols) have been extracted from a long data record (1972–2000) at high latitude (56°N–68°N, Sweden). Normalization to weekly average values was used to control long-term trends so that cyclical trends could be investigated. Enhanced ⁷Be activity was observed in spring and summer seasons and likely relates to the seasonal thinning of the tropopause. Variations in the ¹³⁷Cs activity record seem to reflect how the isotope was injected in the atmosphere (stratospheric from bomb tests and tropospheric from the Chernobyl accident) and subsequent transport mechanisms. Accordingly, until 1986, the surface air ¹³⁷Cs activity was strongly related to nuclear weapons test fallout and exhibits temporal fluctuations resembling the ⁷Be. Conversely, since 1986 the Chernobyl-produced ¹³⁷Cs dominates the long-term record that shows annual cycles that are strongly controlled by atmospheric boundary layer conditions. Additionally, short-term data within the post-Chernobyl period suggest subtle intrusion of air masses rich in ¹³⁷Cs that may occur throughout the year, and differences resulting from spatial occurrence at these latitudes. This is an important observation that may have to do with year-to-year variation and calls for caution when interpreting short-term data records.

URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0265931X06001032

Cancer in Sweden derived from fallout after the chernobyl accident

Title: Cancer in Sweden derived from fallout after the chernobyl accident
Author: Ekman, M. / Moberg, L. / Stenke, L. / Lewensohn, R. / Reizenstein, P.

Reference: European Journal of Cancer, 29 (Supplement 6), p.S124, Jan 1993

doi: 10.1016/0959-8049(93)91301-Z

Keywords: Sweden

Abstract: …incidence of lung cancer. Thus, combatting…trial patients. 676 CANCER IN SWEDEN DERIVED FROM FALLOUT AFTER THE CHERNOBYL ACCIDENT w.Ekman…Inatitute,Stockholm. Thyroid uptake of 1317 wame…plant accldent at Chernobyl In April 1986…growing problem of cancer. Antineoplastic…

URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/095980499391301Z

Chernobyl fallout in a Swedish spruce forest ecosystem

• Title: Chernobyl fallout in a Swedish spruce forest ecosystem

Author: McGee, E.J. / Synnott, H.J. / Johanson, K.J. / Fawaris, B.H. / Nielsen, S.P. / Horrill, A.D. / Kennedy, V.H. / (…) / McGarry, A.T.

Reference: Journal of Environmental Radioactivity, 48 (1), p.59-78, Mar 2000

doi: 10.1016/S0265-931X(99)00057-0

Keywords: Chernobyl; Forest; Radiocaesium

Abstract: An assessment of the distribution of Chernobyl fallout in a Swedish forest was carried out and showed more than 95% of the in the system to be of Chernobyl origin. The data show that approximately 87% of total fallout is found in soils, 6% in the bryophyte layer and 7% in standing biomass of trees. The mean deposition of in the system (including soils, bryophytes, understorey vegetation, fungi, trees, moose and roe deer) was 54 kBq m⁻². Fungi, understorey vegetation and ruminant populations collectively contained approximately 1% of total radiocaesium in the system.

URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0265931X99000570

Variation in transfer factor of radiocaesium in bank voles (Clethrionomys glareolus) in clear cut and mature forest sites after the Chernobyl accident

• Title: Variation in transfer factor of radiocaesium in bank voles (Clethrionomys glareolus) in clear cut and mature forest sites after the Chernobyl accident

Author: Palo, Thomas R.

Reference: Journal of Environmental Radioactivity, 92 (2), p.112-121, Jan 2007

doi: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2006.10.002

Keywords: Bank vole; Chernobyl fallout; Sweden; Forest habitat

Abstract: Bank voles that were collected between 1986 and 2004 at sites in Chernobyl fallout areas of northern Sweden showed higher ¹³⁷Cs activity concentrations at the mature forest sites compared to clear cuts. This difference was not attributed to differences in ground deposition between sites but to differences in aggregated transfer rates to voles. Differences in transfer between forest types were evident for all years 1986–2004 but the change occurred at different rates in the two habitats.

URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0265931X0600186X