Environmental Science › Global and Planetary Change

Radioactive contamination and transfer

Works Count: 63740

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This cluster of papers focuses on the environmental and health impacts of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster, including the release and dispersion of radionuclides such as cesium-137 and iodine-131, contamination of soil and marine environments, uptake of radionuclides by plants, and the long-term consequences on wildlife and human health.

Keywords

Fukushima Daiichi; nuclear accident; radionuclides; radioactive contamination; environmental impacts; marine radioactivity; radiocaesium; soil contamination; radioactive fallout; health effects

Lithium, Sodium, Potassium, Rubidium, and Cesium

2013-07-16

Philip A. Helmke , Donald L. Sparks

The chemistry of the elements is predominantly ionic, but a slight degree of covalent bonding occurs in bonds to oxygen, N and carbon in various chelate and organometallic compounds. The … The chemistry of the elements is predominantly ionic, but a slight degree of covalent bonding occurs in bonds to oxygen, N and carbon in various chelate and organometallic compounds. The tendency to covalence is greatest with lithium (Li) and least with cesium (Cs), which is expected from their charge/radius ratios. The concentrations of sodium and potassium (K) can range up to several percentage points in soils while those of Li, rubidium, and Cs rarely exceed several hundred micrograms per gram. Methods to determine total K and the other alkali elements in soils use acids or a high temperature fusion to decompose the soil. The chapter presents two procedures for measurement of nonexchangeable K in soils: a boiling HNO3 method; and a hydrogen-saturated resin technique. Soil test extractants for K were developed to easily and rapidly measure K in soils and to estimate K availability.

Rapid calculation of radioimmunoassay results.

1969-11-01

David Rodbard , William E. Bridson , P.L. Rayford

Air Chemistry and Radioactivity

1963-01-01

Christian Junge

Atmospheric behavior, deposition, and budget of radioactive materials from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in March 2011

2011-04-01

Yu Morino , Toshimasa Ohara , Masato Nishizawa

[1] To understand the atmospheric behavior of radioactive materials emitted from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant after the nuclear accident that accompanied the great Tohoku earthquake and tsunami on … [1] To understand the atmospheric behavior of radioactive materials emitted from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant after the nuclear accident that accompanied the great Tohoku earthquake and tsunami on 11 March 2011, we simulated the transport and deposition of iodine-131 and cesium-137 using a chemical transport model. The model roughly reproduced the observed temporal and spatial variations of deposition rates over 15 Japanese prefectures (60−400 km from the plant), including Tokyo, although there were some discrepancies between the simulated and observed rates. These discrepancies were likely due to uncertainties in the simulation of emission, transport, and deposition processes in the model. A budget analysis indicated that approximately 13% of iodine-131 and 22% of cesium-137 were deposited over land in Japan, and the rest was deposited over the ocean or transported out of the model domain (700 × 700 km2). Radioactivity budgets are sensitive to temporal emission patterns. Accurate estimation of emissions to the air is important for estimation of the atmospheric behavior of radionuclides and their subsequent behavior in land water, soil, vegetation, and the ocean.

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Variation of seawater 87Sr/86Sr throughout Phanerozoic time

1982-01-01

W.H. Burke , Rodger E. Denison , E.A. Hetherington +3 more

Research Article| October 01, 1982 Variation of seawater 87Sr/86Sr throughout Phanerozoic time W. H. Burke; W. H. Burke 1Vlobil Research and Development Corporation, Field Research Laboratory, Dallas, Texas 75221 Search … Research Article| October 01, 1982 Variation of seawater 87Sr/86Sr throughout Phanerozoic time W. H. Burke; W. H. Burke 1Vlobil Research and Development Corporation, Field Research Laboratory, Dallas, Texas 75221 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar R. E. Denison; R. E. Denison 1Vlobil Research and Development Corporation, Field Research Laboratory, Dallas, Texas 75221 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar E. A. Hetherington; E. A. Hetherington 1Vlobil Research and Development Corporation, Field Research Laboratory, Dallas, Texas 75221 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar R. B. Koepnick; R. B. Koepnick 1Vlobil Research and Development Corporation, Field Research Laboratory, Dallas, Texas 75221 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar H. F. Nelson; H. F. Nelson 1Vlobil Research and Development Corporation, Field Research Laboratory, Dallas, Texas 75221 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar J. B. Otto J. B. Otto 1Vlobil Research and Development Corporation, Field Research Laboratory, Dallas, Texas 75221 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Author and Article Information W. H. Burke 1Vlobil Research and Development Corporation, Field Research Laboratory, Dallas, Texas 75221 R. E. Denison 1Vlobil Research and Development Corporation, Field Research Laboratory, Dallas, Texas 75221 E. A. Hetherington 1Vlobil Research and Development Corporation, Field Research Laboratory, Dallas, Texas 75221 R. B. Koepnick 1Vlobil Research and Development Corporation, Field Research Laboratory, Dallas, Texas 75221 H. F. Nelson 1Vlobil Research and Development Corporation, Field Research Laboratory, Dallas, Texas 75221 J. B. Otto 1Vlobil Research and Development Corporation, Field Research Laboratory, Dallas, Texas 75221 Publisher: Geological Society of America First Online: 01 Jun 2017 Online ISSN: 1943-2682 Print ISSN: 0091-7613 Geological Society of America Geology (1982) 10 (10): 516–519. https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1982)10<516:VOSSTP>2.0.CO;2 Article history First Online: 01 Jun 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation W. H. Burke, R. E. Denison, E. A. Hetherington, R. B. Koepnick, H. F. Nelson, J. B. Otto; Variation of seawater 87Sr/86Sr throughout Phanerozoic time. Geology 1982;; 10 (10): 516–519. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1982)10<516:VOSSTP>2.0.CO;2 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyGeology Search Advanced Search Abstract Precise measurements of 786 marine carbonate, evaporite, and phosphate samples of known age provide a curve of seawater 87Sr/86Sr versus geologic time through the Phanerozoic. Many episodes of increasing and decreasing values of 87Sr/86Sr of seawater have occurred through the Phanerozoic. The Late Cambrian–Early Ordovician seawater ratios are approximately equal to the modern ratio of 0.70907. The lowest ratios, ∼0.7068, occurred during the Jurassic and Late Permian. The configuration of the curve appears to be strongly influenced by the history of both plate interactions and seafloor spreading throughout the Phanerozoic. The curve provides a basis for dating many marine carbonate, evaporite, and phosphate samples. Furthermore, diagenetic modifications of original marine 87Sr/86Sr values are often interpretable. Analysis of 87Sr/86Sr data, therefore, may provide useful information on regional diagenetic patterns and processes.All of the Cenozoic samples and some of the Cretaceous samples are from Deep Sea Drilling Project (DSDP) cores. With the exception of the DSDP samples, the curve was constructed only from samples containing at least 200 ppm Sr and not more than 10% dilute acid insoluble material. All measurements are made by comparison with standard SrCO3 (NBS SRM 987) for which a 87Sr/86Sr of 0.71014 is assumed. Precision is estimated to be ± 0.00005 at the 95% confidence level. Measured ratios of 42 modern marine samples average 0.70907, with a standard deviation of 0.00004. First Page Preview Close Modal You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.

Distribution of thorium isotopes between dissolved and particulate forms in the deep sea

1982-03-20

Michael P. Bacon , Robert F. Anderson

The distribution of 234 Th, 230 Th, and 228 Th between dissolved and particulate forms was determined in 17 seawater samples from the Guatemala and Panama basins. Sampling was carried … The distribution of 234 Th, 230 Th, and 228 Th between dissolved and particulate forms was determined in 17 seawater samples from the Guatemala and Panama basins. Sampling was carried out in situ with battery‐powered, submersible pumping systems in which the seawater first passed through a Nuclepore filter (1.0‐μm pore size) and then through a cartridge packed with Nitex netting that was impregnated with MnO 2 to scavenge the dissolved Th isotopes. Natural 234 Th was used as the tracer for monitoring the efficiency of scavenging. For all three isotopes, most of the activity was found in the dissolved form. On the average 4% of the 234 Th, 15% of the 228 Th, and 17% of the 230 Th occurred in the particulate form, though the percentages were found to be strongly dependent on particle concentration. These distributions are not consistent with chemical scavenging models that assume irreversible uptake of Th on particle surfaces. The results can be explained, however, if continuous exchange of Th isotopes between seawater and the particle surfaces is assumed. Vertical profiles of both particulate and dissolved 230 Th show increasing concentrations with depth, as required by the assumption of reversible exchange. Some of the dissolved 230 Th profiles, however, show a reversal of this trend near the bottom, indicating accelerated scavenging near the water/sediment interface. Kinetics of both adsorption and desorption can be examined if at least two Th isotopes are measured in the same samples. Results show that reaction times are short (a few months) compared to the residence time of suspended matter in the deep ocean (several years), indicating that particles suspended in the deep sea are close to equilibrium with respect to exchange of metals at their surfaces.

Quantitative analysis of radiocaesium retention in soils

1988-09-01

Adrien Cremers , A. Elsen , P. de Preter +1 more

A routine high-precision method for Lu-Hf isotope geochemistry and chronology

1981-01-01

P. Jonathan Patchett , M. Tatsumoto

Comparison of the Chernobyl and Fukushima nuclear accidents: A review of the environmental impacts

2013-11-02

Georg Steinhäuser , A. Brandl , Thomas E. Johnson

Preliminary Estimation of Release Amounts of131I and137Cs Accidentally Discharged from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the Atmosphere

2011-07-01

Masamichi Chino , Hiromasa Nakayama , Haruyasu Nagai +3 more

Click to increase image sizeClick to decrease image sizeKEYWORDS: Release amounts 131I 137CsatmosphereFukushima Daiichi nuclear power plantaccidentmonitoring dataair concentrationsatmospheric dispersion simulationSPEEDIWSPEEDI-II Click to increase image sizeClick to decrease image sizeKEYWORDS: Release amounts 131I 137CsatmosphereFukushima Daiichi nuclear power plantaccidentmonitoring dataair concentrationsatmospheric dispersion simulationSPEEDIWSPEEDI-II

Global Inventory and Distribution of Fallout Plutonium

1973-02-01

Edward P. Hardy , P.W. Krey , H.L. Volchok

Measurement of 223Ra and 224Ra in coastal waters using a delayed coincidence counter

1996-01-15

Willard S. Moore , Ralph Arnold

We describe a nuclear detector system for measuring low activities of 223 Ra and 224 Ra in natural waters based on an original design of Giffin et al. (1963). Samples … We describe a nuclear detector system for measuring low activities of 223 Ra and 224 Ra in natural waters based on an original design of Giffin et al. (1963). Samples are obtained by adsorbing 223 Ra and 224 Ra onto a column of MnO 2 coated fiber (Mn fiber). The short‐lived Rn daughters of 223 Ra and 224 Ra which recoil from the Mn fiber are swept into a scintillation detector where alpha decays of Rn and Po occur. Signals from the detector are sent to a delayed coincidence circuit, which discriminates decays of the 224 Ra daughters, 220 Rn and 216 Po, from decays of the 223 Ra daughters, 219 Rn and 215 Po. The system is calibrated using 232 Th and 227 Ac standards with daughters in equilibrium adsorbed on Mn fiber. Results of samples from Tampa Bay, Florida, and the Atchafalaya and Mississippi Rivers mixing zones are reported. The method is extendible to measurements of 227 Ac, 231 Pa, 228 Th, and 228 Ra.

Fukushima-derived radionuclides in the ocean and biota off Japan

2012-04-02

Ken O. Buesseler , Steven R. Jayne , Nicholas S. Fisher +7 more

The Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami of March 11, 2011, resulted in unprecedented radioactivity releases from the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plants to the Northwest Pacific Ocean. Results are presented here … The Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami of March 11, 2011, resulted in unprecedented radioactivity releases from the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plants to the Northwest Pacific Ocean. Results are presented here from an international study of radionuclide contaminants in surface and subsurface waters, as well as in zooplankton and fish, off Japan in June 2011. A major finding is detection of Fukushima-derived 134 Cs and 137 Cs throughout waters 30–600 km offshore, with the highest activities associated with near-shore eddies and the Kuroshio Current acting as a southern boundary for transport. Fukushima-derived Cs isotopes were also detected in zooplankton and mesopelagic fish, and unique to this study we also find 110m Ag in zooplankton. Vertical profiles are used to calculate a total inventory of ∼2 PBq 137 Cs in an ocean area of 150,000 km 2 . Our results can only be understood in the context of our drifter data and an oceanographic model that shows rapid advection of contaminants further out in the Pacific. Importantly, our data are consistent with higher estimates of the magnitude of Fukushima fallout and direct releases [Stohl et al. (2011) Atmos Chem Phys Discuss 11:28319–28394; Bailly du Bois et al. (2011) J Environ Radioact , 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2011.11.015]. We address risks to public health and marine biota by showing that though Cs isotopes are elevated 10–1,000× over prior levels in waters off Japan, radiation risks due to these radionuclides are below those generally considered harmful to marine animals and human consumers, and even below those from naturally occurring radionuclides.

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A new procedure for the determination of lead-210 in lake and marine sediments

1978-10-01

J. D. Eakins , Ru Morrison

Interpreting particle size effects in the adsorption of 137Cs and unsupported 210Pb by mineral soils and sediments

1996-01-01

Qiang He , D. E. Walling

Impacts of the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plants on Marine Radioactivity

2011-10-20

Ken O. Buesseler , Michio Aoyama , Masao Fukasawa

The impacts on the ocean of releases of radionuclides from the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plants remain unclear. However, information has been made public regarding the concentrations of radioactive isotopes … The impacts on the ocean of releases of radionuclides from the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plants remain unclear. However, information has been made public regarding the concentrations of radioactive isotopes of iodine and cesium in ocean water near the discharge point. These data allow us to draw some basic conclusions about the relative levels of radionuclides released which can be compared to prior ocean studies and be used to address dose consequences as discussed by Garnier-Laplace et al. in this journal.(1) The data show peak ocean discharges in early April, one month after the earthquake and a factor of 1000 decrease in the month following. Interestingly, the concentrations through the end of July remain higher than expected implying continued releases from the reactors or other contaminated sources, such as groundwater or coastal sediments. By July, levels of 137Cs are still more than 10 000 times higher than levels measured in 2010 in the coastal waters off Japan. Although some radionuclides are significantly elevated, dose calculations suggest minimal impact on marine biota or humans due to direct exposure in surrounding ocean waters, though considerations for biological uptake and consumption of seafood are discussed and further study is warranted.

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Limits for qualitative detection and quantitative determination. Application to radiochemistry

1968-03-01

Lloyd A. Currie

ADVERTISEMENT RETURN TO ISSUEPREVArticleNEXTLimits for qualitative detection and quantitative determination. Application to radiochemistryLloyd A. CurrieCite this: Anal. Chem. 1968, 40, 3, 586–593Publication Date (Print):March 1, 1968Publication History Published online1 May … ADVERTISEMENT RETURN TO ISSUEPREVArticleNEXTLimits for qualitative detection and quantitative determination. Application to radiochemistryLloyd A. CurrieCite this: Anal. Chem. 1968, 40, 3, 586–593Publication Date (Print):March 1, 1968Publication History Published online1 May 2002Published inissue 1 March 1968https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/ac60259a007https://doi.org/10.1021/ac60259a007research-articleACS PublicationsRequest reuse permissionsArticle Views10100Altmetric-Citations3397LEARN ABOUT THESE METRICSArticle Views are the COUNTER-compliant sum of full text article downloads since November 2008 (both PDF and HTML) across all institutions and individuals. These metrics are regularly updated to reflect usage leading up to the last few days.Citations are the number of other articles citing this article, calculated by Crossref and updated daily. Find more information about Crossref citation counts.The Altmetric Attention Score is a quantitative measure of the attention that a research article has received online. Clicking on the donut icon will load a page at altmetric.com with additional details about the score and the social media presence for the given article. Find more information on the Altmetric Attention Score and how the score is calculated. Share Add toView InAdd Full Text with ReferenceAdd Description ExportRISCitationCitation and abstractCitation and referencesMore Options Share onFacebookTwitterWechatLinked InRedditEmail Other access optionsGet e-Alertsclose Get e-Alerts

238U,234U and232Th in seawater

1986-11-01

J.H. Chen , R. Lawrence Edwards , G. J. Wasserburg

Cesium-137 deposition and contamination of Japanese soils due to the Fukushima nuclear accident

2011-11-14

Teppei J. Yasunari , A. Stohl , R. Hayano +3 more

The largest concern on the cesium-137 ( 137 Cs) deposition and its soil contamination due to the emission from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) showed up after a … The largest concern on the cesium-137 ( 137 Cs) deposition and its soil contamination due to the emission from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) showed up after a massive quake on March 11, 2011. Cesium-137 ( 137 Cs) with a half-life of 30.1 y causes the largest concerns because of its deleterious effect on agriculture and stock farming, and, thus, human life for decades. Removal of 137 Cs contaminated soils or land use limitations in areas where removal is not possible is, therefore, an urgent issue. A challenge lies in the fact that estimates of 137 Cs emissions from the Fukushima NPP are extremely uncertain, therefore, the distribution of 137 Cs in the environment is poorly constrained. Here, we estimate total 137 Cs deposition by integrating daily observations of 137 Cs deposition in each prefecture in Japan with relative deposition distribution patterns from a Lagrangian particle dispersion model, FLEXPART. We show that 137 Cs strongly contaminated the soils in large areas of eastern and northeastern Japan, whereas western Japan was sheltered by mountain ranges. The soils around Fukushima NPP and neighboring prefectures have been extensively contaminated with depositions of more than 100,000 and 10,000 MBq km -2 , respectively. Total 137 Cs depositions over two domains: ( i ) the Japan Islands and the surrounding ocean (130–150 °E and 30–46 °N) and, ( ii ) the Japan Islands, were estimated to be more than 5.6 and 1.0 PBq, respectively. We hope our 137 Cs deposition maps will help to coordinate decontamination efforts and plan regulatory measures in Japan.

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Role of Oxygen in Modifying the Radiosensitivity of E. Coli B.

1956-11-01

Tikvah Alper , Paul Howard-Flanders

The ERICA Tool

2008-03-11

Justin Brown , B. Alfonso , R. Avila +4 more

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Uranium in open ocean: concentration and isotopic composition

1977-11-01

Teh‐Lung Ku , Kevin G. Knauss

Calculation of uncertainties of U-Pb isotope data

1980-01-01

K. A. Ludwig

Determination of tritium by mass spectrometric measurement of 3He

1976-09-01

W. B. Clarke , W. J. Jenkins , Zafer Top

Critical comparison of radiometric and mass spectrometric methods for the determination of radionuclides in environmental, biological and nuclear waste samples

2008-01-11

Xiaolin Hou , Per Roos

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Transmission of chromosomal instability after plutonium α-particle irradiation

1992-02-01

M Kadhim , Denise A. Macdonald , D.T. Goodhead +3 more

Observations on Lake Sediments using Fallout 137Cs as a Tracer

1973-03-01

Winifred Pennington , T. G. Tütin , R.S. Cambray +1 more

A simplified method of sample preparation for determination of tritium, carbon-14, or sulfur-35 in blood or tissue by liquid scintillation counting

1966-09-01

Dorsey T. Mahin , Robert T. Lofberg

Distribution of oceanic 137Cs from the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant simulated numerically by a regional ocean model

2011-11-08

Daisuke Tsumune , Takaki Tsubono , Michio Aoyama +1 more

Impacts on the Earth by asteroids and comets: assessing the hazard

1994-01-01

C. R. Chapman , David Morrison

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210Pb/226Ra and 210Po/210Pb disequilibria in seawater and suspended particulate matter

1976-10-01

M.P. Bacon , Derek W. Spencer , Peter G. Brewer

Study Protocol for the Fukushima Health Management Survey

2012-01-01

Seiji Yasumura , Mitsuaki Hosoya , Shunichi Yamashita +5 more

Background: The accidents that occurred at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant after the Great East Japan Earthquake on 11 March 2011 have resulted in long-term, ongoing anxiety among the … Background: The accidents that occurred at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant after the Great East Japan Earthquake on 11 March 2011 have resulted in long-term, ongoing anxiety among the residents of Fukushima, Japan. Soon after the disaster, Fukushima Prefecture launched the Fukushima Health Management Survey to investigate long-term low-dose radiation exposure caused by the accident. Fukushima Medical University took the lead in planning and implementing this survey. The primary purposes of this survey are to monitor the long-term health of residents, promote their future well-being, and confirm whether long-term low-dose radiation exposure has health effects. This report describes the rationale and implementation of the Fukushima Health Management Survey.Methods: This cohort study enrolled all people living in Fukushima Prefecture after the earthquake and comprises a basic survey and 4 detailed surveys. The basic survey is to estimate levels of external radiation exposure among all 2.05 million residents. It should be noted that internal radiation levels were estimated by Fukushima Prefecture using whole-body counters. The detailed surveys comprise a thyroid ultrasound examination for all Fukushima children aged 18 years or younger, a comprehensive health check for all residents from the evacuation zones, an assessment of mental health and lifestyles of all residents from the evacuation zones, and recording of all pregnancies and births among all women in the prefecture who were pregnant on 11 March. All data have been entered into a database and will be used to support the residents and analyze the health effects of radiation.Conclusions: The low response rate (<30%) to the basic survey complicates the estimation of health effects. There have been no cases of malignancy to date among 38 114 children who received thyroid ultrasound examinations. The importance of mental health care was revealed by the mental health and lifestyle survey and the pregnancy and birth survey. This long-term large-scale epidemiologic study is expected to provide valuable data in the investigation of the health effects of low-dose radiation and disaster-related stress.

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La roca magica: Uses of natural zeolites in agriculture and industry

1999-03-30

F. A. Mumpton

For nearly 200 years since their discovery in 1756, geologists considered the zeolite minerals to occur as fairly large crystals in the vugs and cavities of basalts and other traprock … For nearly 200 years since their discovery in 1756, geologists considered the zeolite minerals to occur as fairly large crystals in the vugs and cavities of basalts and other traprock formations. Here, they were prized by mineral collectors, but their small abundance and polymineralic nature defied commercial exploitation. As the synthetic zeolite (molecular sieve) business began to take hold in the late 1950s, huge beds of zeolite-rich sediments, formed by the alteration of volcanic ash (glass) in lake and marine waters, were discovered in the western United States and elsewhere in the world. These beds were found to contain as much as 95% of a single zeolite; they were generally flat-lying and easily mined by surface methods. The properties of these low-cost natural materials mimicked those of many of their synthetic counterparts, and considerable effort has made since that time to develop applications for them based on their unique adsorption, cation-exchange, dehydration–rehydration, and catalytic properties. Natural zeolites (i.e., those found in volcanogenic sedimentary rocks) have been and are being used as building stone, as lightweight aggregate and pozzolans in cements and concretes, as filler in paper, in the take-up of Cs and Sr from nuclear waste and fallout, as soil amendments in agronomy and horticulture, in the removal of ammonia from municipal, industrial, and agricultural waste and drinking waters, as energy exchangers in solar refrigerators, as dietary supplements in animal diets, as consumer deodorizers, in pet litters, in taking up ammonia from animal manures, and as ammonia filters in kidney-dialysis units. From their use in construction during Roman times, to their role as hydroponic (zeoponic) substrate for growing plants on space missions, to their recent success in the healing of cuts and wounds, natural zeolites are now considered to be full-fledged mineral commodities, the use of which promise to expand even more in the future.

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Plant uptake of radiocaesium: a review of mechanisms, regulation and application

2000-10-01

Yong‐Guan Zhu , Erik Smolders

Soil contamination with radiocaesium (Cs) has a long‐term radiological impact because it is readily transferred through food chains to human beings. Plant uptake is the major pathway for the migration … Soil contamination with radiocaesium (Cs) has a long‐term radiological impact because it is readily transferred through food chains to human beings. Plant uptake is the major pathway for the migration of radiocaesium from soil to human diet. The plant‐related factors that control the uptake of radiocaesium are reviewed. Of these, K supply exerts the greatest influence on Cs uptake from solution. It appears that the uptake of radiocaesium is operated mainly by two transport pathways on plant root cell membranes, namely the K+ transporter and the K+ channel pathway. Cationic interactions between K and Cs on isolated K‐channels or K transporters are in agreement with studies using intact plants. The K+ transporter functioning at low external potassium concentration (often <0.3 mM) shows little discrimination against Cs+, while the K+ channel is dominant at high external potassium concentration with high discrimination against Cs+. Caesium has a high mobility within plants. Although radiocaesium is most likely taken up by the K transport systems within the plant, the Cs:K ratio is not uniform within the plant. Difference in internal Cs concentration (when expressed on a dry mass basis) may vary by a factor of 20 between different plant species grown under similar conditions. Phytoremediation may be a possible option to decontaminate radiocaesium‐contaminated soils, but its major limitation is that it takes an excessively long time (tens of years) and produces large volumes of waste.

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Radioecology: Nuclear Energy and the Environment.

1984-08-01

P. J. Coughtrey , F. W. Whicker , Vincent Schultz

Radioecology is the field of study in which elements of physical and biological sciences are combined to pursue knowledge of radioactivity in the environment, including movement of radioactive materials and … Radioecology is the field of study in which elements of physical and biological sciences are combined to pursue knowledge of radioactivity in the environment, including movement of radioactive materials and the effects of ionizing radiation on populations and on ecological organization. Volume I contains chapters on ecological principles, radiological principles, environmental radioactivity and radionuclide behavior in ecosystems. Chapter Four on environmental radioactivity characterizes sources, types, and amounts of material and man-made radioactive materials and radiation in the environment. Concepts of radionuclide behavior in ecosystems and behavior (movements and concentrations) of several important element groups in selected ecosystems are surveyed. A chapter on methods used for quantitative predictions of radionuclide transport in the environment gives a reasonably complete treatment to environmental transport processes, radionuclide kinetics in ecosystem compartments, and the use of transport models. Two chapters summarize the known effects of ionizing radiation on species, populations, and higher levels of ecological organization. This information is put into perspective in terms of risk and other consequences. Both volumes are well referenced. Appendices contain listings of major proceedings and books, reviews of specific radionuclides in the environment, and physical data used to characterize radionuclides. The authors succeed in presenting an excellent survey ofmore » a broad field of study, and these volumes should serve as a standard reference work on radioecology for a long while.« less

The effects of disequilibria in the uranium and thorium decay chains on burial dose rates in fluvial sediments

1996-01-01

Jon Olley , Andrew Murray , Richard G. Roberts

Global distribution of Pu isotopes and 237Np

1999-09-01

J.M. Kelley , L.A. Bond , T.M. Beasley

GEMS: Underwater spectrometer for long-term radioactivity measurements

2010-07-01

Ludovica Sartini , Francesco Simeone , P. Pani +7 more

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Xenon-133 and caesium-137 releases into the atmosphere from the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant: determination of the source term, atmospheric dispersion, and deposition

2012-03-01

A. Stohl , Petra Seibert , Gerhard Wotawa +6 more

Abstract. On 11 March 2011, an earthquake occurred about 130 km off the Pacific coast of Japan's main island Honshu, followed by a large tsunami. The resulting loss of electric … Abstract. On 11 March 2011, an earthquake occurred about 130 km off the Pacific coast of Japan's main island Honshu, followed by a large tsunami. The resulting loss of electric power at the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant developed into a disaster causing massive release of radioactivity into the atmosphere. In this study, we determine the emissions into the atmosphere of two isotopes, the noble gas xenon-133 (133Xe) and the aerosol-bound caesium-137 (137Cs), which have very different release characteristics as well as behavior in the atmosphere. To determine radionuclide emissions as a function of height and time until 20 April, we made a first guess of release rates based on fuel inventories and documented accident events at the site. This first guess was subsequently improved by inverse modeling, which combined it with the results of an atmospheric transport model, FLEXPART, and measurement data from several dozen stations in Japan, North America and other regions. We used both atmospheric activity concentration measurements as well as, for 137Cs, measurements of bulk deposition. Regarding 133Xe, we find a total release of 15.3 (uncertainty range 12.2–18.3) EBq, which is more than twice as high as the total release from Chernobyl and likely the largest radioactive noble gas release in history. The entire noble gas inventory of reactor units 1–3 was set free into the atmosphere between 11 and 15 March 2011. In fact, our release estimate is higher than the entire estimated 133Xe inventory of the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant, which we explain with the decay of iodine-133 (half-life of 20.8 h) into 133Xe. There is strong evidence that the 133Xe release started before the first active venting was made, possibly indicating structural damage to reactor components and/or leaks due to overpressure which would have allowed early release of noble gases. For 137Cs, the inversion results give a total emission of 36.6 (20.1–53.1) PBq, or about 43% of the estimated Chernobyl emission. Our results indicate that 137Cs emissions peaked on 14–15 March but were generally high from 12 until 19 March, when they suddenly dropped by orders of magnitude at the time when spraying of water on the spent-fuel pool of unit 4 started. This indicates that emissions may not have originated only from the damaged reactor cores, but also from the spent-fuel pool of unit 4. This would also confirm that the spraying was an effective countermeasure. We explore the main dispersion and deposition patterns of the radioactive cloud, both regionally for Japan as well as for the entire Northern Hemisphere. While at first sight it seemed fortunate that westerly winds prevailed most of the time during the accident, a different picture emerges from our detailed analysis. Exactly during and following the period of the strongest 137Cs emissions on 14 and 15 March as well as after another period with strong emissions on 19 March, the radioactive plume was advected over Eastern Honshu Island, where precipitation deposited a large fraction of 137Cs on land surfaces. Radioactive clouds reached North America on 15 March and Europe on 22 March. By middle of April, 133Xe was fairly uniformly distributed in the middle latitudes of the entire Northern Hemisphere and was for the first time also measured in the Southern Hemisphere (Darwin station, Australia). In general, simulated and observed concentrations of 133Xe and 137Cs both at Japanese as well as at remote sites were in good quantitative agreement. Altogether, we estimate that 6.4 PBq of 137Cs, or 18% of the total fallout until 20 April, were deposited over Japanese land areas, while most of the rest fell over the North Pacific Ocean. Only 0.7 PBq, or 1.9% of the total fallout were deposited on land areas other than Japan.

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Assessment of individual radionuclide distributions from the Fukushima nuclear accident covering central-east Japan

2011-11-14

Norikazu Kinoshita , Keisuke Sueki , Kimikazu Sasa +7 more

A tremendous amount of radioactivity was discharged because of the damage to cooling systems of nuclear reactors in the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant in March 2011. Fukushima and … A tremendous amount of radioactivity was discharged because of the damage to cooling systems of nuclear reactors in the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant in March 2011. Fukushima and its adjacent prefectures were contaminated with fission products from the accident. Here, we show a geographical distribution of radioactive iodine, tellurium, and cesium in the surface soils of central-east Japan as determined by gamma-ray spectrometry. Especially in Fukushima prefecture, contaminated area spreads around Iitate and Naka-Dori for all the radionuclides we measured. Distributions of the radionuclides were affected by the physical state of each nuclide as well as geographical features. Considering meteorological conditions, it is concluded that the radioactive material transported on March 15 was the major contributor to contamination in Fukushima prefecture, whereas the radioactive material transported on March 21 was the major source in Ibaraki, Tochigi, Saitama, and Chiba prefectures and in Tokyo.

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Accumulation of Mn(II) in Deinococcus radiodurans Facilitates Gamma-Radiation Resistance

2004-10-01

Michael J. Daly , Elena K. Gaidamakova , Vera Y. Matrosova +7 more

Deinococcus radiodurans is extremely resistant to ionizing radiation. How this bacterium can grow under chronic γ radiation [50 grays (Gy) per hour] or recover from acute doses greater than 10 … Deinococcus radiodurans is extremely resistant to ionizing radiation. How this bacterium can grow under chronic γ radiation [50 grays (Gy) per hour] or recover from acute doses greater than 10 kGy is unknown. We show that D. radiodurans accumulates very high intracellular manganese and low iron levels compared with radiation-sensitive bacteria and that resistance exhibits a concentration-dependent response to manganous chloride [Mn(II)]. Among the most radiation-resistant bacterial groups reported, Deinococcus, Enterococcus, Lactobacillus , and cyanobacteria accumulate Mn(II). In contrast, Shewanella oneidensis and Pseudomonas putida have high iron but low intracellular manganese concentrations and are very sensitive. We propose that Mn(II) accumulation facilitates recovery from radiation injury.

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The U.K. Met Office's Next-Generation Atmospheric Dispersion Model, NAME III

2007-04-03

A. R. Jones , David J. Thomson , Matthew Hort +1 more

Age-dependent doses to members of the public from intake of radionuclides: Part 4 Inhalation dose coefficients

1995-07-01

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The Natural Radiation Environment

1965-03-01

John W. Winchester

Fundamentals of Radiobiology

1961-01-01

Handbook for the Assessment of Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Using Environmental Radionuclides

2003-01-01

Felipe Zapata

Radiochemical Studies: The Fission Products.

1951-10-06

Charles D. Coryell , Nathan Sugarman

Our website uses cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing to use our site, or clicking "Continue," you are agreeing to our Cookie Policy | Continue JAMA HomeNew OnlineCurrent IssueFor … Our website uses cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing to use our site, or clicking "Continue," you are agreeing to our Cookie Policy | Continue JAMA HomeNew OnlineCurrent IssueFor Authors Podcasts Clinical Reviews Editors' Summary Medical News Author Interviews More Publications JAMA JAMA Network Open JAMA Cardiology JAMA Dermatology JAMA Health Forum JAMA Internal Medicine JAMA Neurology JAMA Oncology JAMA Ophthalmology JAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery JAMA Pediatrics JAMA Psychiatry JAMA Surgery Archives of Neurology & Psychiatry (1919-1959) JN Learning / CMESubscribeJobsInstitutions / LibrariansReprints & Permissions Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Accessibility Statement 2023 American Medical Association. All Rights Reserved Search All JAMA JAMA Network Open JAMA Cardiology JAMA Dermatology JAMA Forum Archive JAMA Health Forum JAMA Internal Medicine JAMA Neurology JAMA Oncology JAMA Ophthalmology JAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery JAMA Pediatrics JAMA Psychiatry JAMA Surgery Archives of Neurology & Psychiatry Input Search Term Sign In Individual Sign In Sign inCreate an Account Access through your institution Sign In Purchase Options: Buy this article Rent this article Subscribe to the JAMA journal

Irradiation of samples for 40Ar/39Ar dating using the Geological Survey TRIGA reactor

1981-01-01

G. Brent Dalrymple , E. C. Alexander , Marvin A. Lanphere +1 more

The characteristics of the Geological Survey TRIGA Reactor (GSTR) as a source of fast neutrons for the 40Ar/3 Ar technique of K-Ar dating have been determined using data from more … The characteristics of the Geological Survey TRIGA Reactor (GSTR) as a source of fast neutrons for the 40Ar/3 Ar technique of K-Ar dating have been determined using data from more then 45 irradiations in the central thimble (core) facility.The GSTR has a flux over the entire energy spectrum of 1.1 x 1017 n/cm2 -MWH and a fast/thermal ratio on the centerline of the central thimble of 117 for fast neutron energies greater than 0.6 MeV.Production of 39Ar is about?x 10~13 mole/gram-percent KgO MWH, and the cross section for the reaction 39K(n, p) 39Ar is 65 ± 4 millibarns for epithermal (> 0.6 MeV) neutrons.Most 4 Ar/ Ar dating applications require about 10-40 hours of irradiation in the GSTR at the maximum continuous power level of 1 MW.The peak neutron flux in the central thimble is 4 cm above the physical centerline, and the verticle flux gradient in the centermost 20 centimeters varies from a small fraction of a percent to a maximum of about 3.5 percent per centimeter.The effect of this gradient can be effectively cancelled by suitable sample encapsulation and the use of a sample holder designed for the purpose.The horizontal flux gradient is less than 0.5 percent over the width of the central thimble.Self-shielding in a solid core of diabase 2.40 cm in diameter and 2.54 cm high is approximately 3 percent from the outside to the center, but self-shielding is probably negligible for the smaller samples usually irradiated for K-Ar dating.Corrections for interfering Ar isotopes produced by neutron reactions with Ca are relatively reproducible with values of 2.64 ± 0.017 x 10~4 for ( 36Ar/ 37Ar) Ca and 6.73 ± 0.037 x 1Q~4 for ( 39Ar/37Ar) Ca.The measured values for ( 40Ar/ 39Ar)ic, however, vary by an order of magnitude.This variability, whose cause is unknown, has been reported from other reactors.The corrections for interfering Ar isotopes can be minimized by using optimization curves for the GSTR to choose the best sample size and irradiation time for a given material.Of more than 100 possible neutron reactions in common rocks and minerals, only 26 need be considered for purposes of radiological safety.The activity produced by these reactions upon irradiation of samples can be conveniently and accurately predicted either by a computer program or from graphs specifically devised for the GSTR. SAMPLE ENCAPSULATIONControl rod Transient rod drive _/-1 LazX.SUSa " cr-^> loading tube .'»»•;"°°;Aluniinuin tanker ';.°.^V.^'C!^°«°V.'o»°'»-/?>V05V%:BBi'''wced str"uc'tflral\&nlt;re°tVVC"v»»Vâ ^o o °o A» O-<I Reinforced backfill concrete •<*,*.o » o«oo* O 0 d« e 'o » °0 «", o » " .0 a a a Ko40.o op o o .[y. o O ° ° qJ a a * »o »<» • ° [\» o • o « O • , FIGURE 1.-Schematic cross section through U. S. Geological Survey TRIGA reactor.*6F97*2F.7Fl»OFO»OFOF.2FOFOF,

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Effect of shallow groundwater discharge on the formation of dissolved Cs-137 concentrations in surface water in a forest headwater catchment

2025-06-25

Hiroaki Kato , Yuma Niwano , Satoru Akaiwa +4 more | Journal of Environmental Management

Understanding the migration and dispersion of radiocesium from forested areas following the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident is crucial for assessing its flux to downstream regions, the ocean, and … Understanding the migration and dispersion of radiocesium from forested areas following the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident is crucial for assessing its flux to downstream regions, the ocean, and its uptake by local ecosystems, and implementing radiation protection measures. However, research on the pathways transferring radiocesium from forest slopes to water systems remains limited, suggesting that soil water and organic matter dissolution during water flow events contribute to its movement. This study investigated the hydrological processes controlling water discharge from forest slopes in Fukushima Prefecture, which received significant 137Cs deposition after the accident, and examined how these processes affect dissolved 137Cs concentrations in surface water. Regular sampling of surface water, groundwater, and soil water in a headwater forested catchment was conducted to capture event-driven changes, while groundwater flow was estimated using a dense network of piezometers installed within the soil layers. Results revealed that shallow groundwater (0.18-0.94 m depth) exhibited substantially higher dissolved 137Cs concentrations (0.64 Bq/L) than surface water (0.09 Bq/L). During rainfall, increased outflow and rising groundwater levels coincided with higher dissolved 137Cs in surface water. Rainfall triggered active shallow groundwater flow from the slope toward the stream, mixing with surface water and raising 137Cs levels. Other research has shown radiocesium leaches from organic matter near streams; our findings further demonstrate that shallow groundwater outflow from forest slopes enhances 137Cs transport to streams.

Review of potential online monitoring technologies for environmental tritium around nuclear power plant

2025-06-25

Yan-Jun Huang , Xuefeng Sun , Gui-Yin Guo +6 more | Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry

Review of Articles Related to the Accident at Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station Published in the Japanese Journal of Health Physics: Dosimetry and Dose Assessment (Secondary Publication)

2025-06-25

Masahiro Kato , A Yoshida , Hirokuni Yamanishi | Journal of Radiation Protection and Research

Assessing the impact of phosphate fertilizer application on radionuclide accumulation in soil and Spinacia oleracea

2025-06-23

James Baha Mankala , Shovi Furaeli Sawe , Ruth Lorivi Moirana | Journal of Ecological Engineering

A comprehensive review of eco toxicity of Cesium 137 deterioration of radionuclides pollution

2025-06-23

Panchamoorthy Saravanan , Diwakar Kumar Anjan , Sivaraj Vharshini +6 more | Environmental Science and Pollution Research

Temperature dependence on soil-soil solution distribution coefficient of radiocaesium in Japanese agricultural soils

2025-06-23

Keiko Tagami , Shigeo Uchida | Journal of Environmental Radioactivity

Effect of low-dose radiation from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident on cherry blossom pollen formation

2025-06-23

Nobuyoshi Nakajima , Kazuhiko Kobayashi , Masanori Tamaoki +1 more | Asian Journal of Atmospheric Environment

Abstract To investigate the impact of low-dose radiation from fallout from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (FDNPP) accident on plants, inflorescences of Somei-yoshino cherry trees (Cerasus × yedoensis) were … Abstract To investigate the impact of low-dose radiation from fallout from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (FDNPP) accident on plants, inflorescences of Somei-yoshino cherry trees (Cerasus × yedoensis) were collected just before blooming from 2014 to 2021 at three locations: Tsushima Elementary School (TE), Tsushima Junior High School (TJ), and Namie High School (NH) in the Tsushima area of Namie town, Fukushima Prefecture. The immature pollen ratio (IPR) was examined. We modeled the annual changes in spatial dose rates (SDR) and the IPR to verify whether SDR affected the IPR. Our results showed that the low-dose radiation from FDNPP accident increased IPR in Somei-yoshino cherry trees at the study sites in Fukushima Prefecture. The relative increase of IPR was highest in the range from 30 to 60% in 2014, when the SDR was at its highest, and then decreased to 20–40% with the decline in the SDR in 2016, and remained in 15 to 35% range thereafter. The increase of IPR at the Fukushima sites over the extended period of time suggests negative impacts on pollen formation in other perennial species and accordingly long-term cumulative effects on biodiversity across the affected region. Graphical Abstract

Species Transport Framework Development in SAM for System-Level Tritium Source Term Analysis

2025-06-23

Travis Mui , Rui Hu , Quan Zhou +2 more | Nuclear Technology

Can we use the addition of stable 133Cs to evaluate the uptake risk of the radioequivalent 137Cs by crops?

2025-06-21

Tetsuya Eguchi , Hisaya Matsunami , Shigeto Fujimura +4 more | The Science of The Total Environment

Montebello Islands marine sediment retains nuclear weapons-derived radionuclide contamination 70 years after detonations

2025-06-21

Madison Williams-Hoffman , Mathew P. Johansen , Piers Larcombe +6 more | Marine Pollution Bulletin

Three nuclear weapons tests were conducted in the 1950s at the Montebello Islands, an Indian Ocean archipelago in NW Australia. Anthropogenic radionuclides were introduced into the surrounding waters, where little … Three nuclear weapons tests were conducted in the 1950s at the Montebello Islands, an Indian Ocean archipelago in NW Australia. Anthropogenic radionuclides were introduced into the surrounding waters, where little quantification of the marine environment has occurred since. Here, we assess the distribution of anthropogenic radionuclides and plutonium (Pu) atom ratios in marine sediment throughout the Montebello Islands and the Western Australian (WA) coastline. Surface sediment was analysed for 90Sr, 137Cs, 238,239,240,241Pu and 241Am, alongside 240Pu/239Pu and 241Pu/239Pu atom ratios. The highest activity concentrations in sediment were from 239,240Pu, at 4- to 4500-fold higher in the Montebello Islands than the WA coastline, with 4-fold higher levels in the northern area of the archipelago compared to the south. Activity concentrations of 239,240Pu (>600 Bq kg-1) were similar to sediment at the Marshall Islands test sites despite 700-fold higher cumulative detonation yields at the latter. Maximum activity concentrations of 90Sr, 137Cs and 241Am across the study were 140, 58 and 20 Bq kg-1 respectively. Our data indicate that the source of anthropogenic radionuclides in marine sediment in the archipelago was dominated by the local detonations, whereas WA coastline samples were additionally influenced by global fallout and Marshall Islands testing. The Pu ratios were very low, and activity concentrations relatively high, compared to world and hemispheric data, representing a distinct and ongoing Pu source that should be considered in regional and hemispheric oceanic studies.

Assessing the quasi-equilibrium distribution of Fukushima-derived radiocesium in a typical Japanese cedar forest using an isotopic approach

2025-06-20

Vasyl Yoschenko , Kenji Nanba , Muyiwa Michael Orosun +2 more | Journal of Environmental Radioactivity

129I analysis of seawater at KIST: Carrier and carrier-free extraction techniques, an inter-laboratory comparison of results, and an alternative to ICP-MS 127I concentration measurements

2025-06-19

Minseok Oh , J. Eliades , Minyoung Kim +7 more | Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section B Beam Interactions with Materials and Atoms

Analysis of radioecological monitoring capabilities for assessing the impact of normalized NPP emissions on agroecosystems

2025-06-19

С. И. Спиридонов , Р. А. Микаилова , V.K. Kuznetsov | Nuclear Energy and Technology

The regulations for radioecological monitoring (REM) of agroecosystems in areas surrounding operational nuclear power plants (NPPs) are characterized by a high degree of detail. Obtaining the required empirical data involves … The regulations for radioecological monitoring (REM) of agroecosystems in areas surrounding operational nuclear power plants (NPPs) are characterized by a high degree of detail. Obtaining the required empirical data involves significant financial costs. This raises the question: to what extent do monitoring data reflect the impact of NPPs on the agricultural environment? Based on long-term emissions data from the Kursk and Rostov NPPs, the dynamics of radionuclide accumulation in soil originating from NPPs were calculated. It was shown that the concentrations of long-lived 137 Cs and 90 Sr in soil increase over time during NPP operation by 30–40 times. However, a comparison of the calculations with REM data over many years indicates that the contribution of NPP-derived 137 Cs and 90 Sr to the specific activity of these radionuclides in soil does not exceed 0.01–0.1%. Thus, REM primarily detects 137 Cs and 90 Sr of global and Chernobyl origin. Due to the negligible NPP contribution, the spatial distribution of 137 Cs within 30-km zones is uniform and follows a lognormal distribution. According to estimates, the activity levels of NPP-derived radionuclides in soil, recommended for REM, are below detection limits. The study concludes that REM guidelines for agroecosystems around NPPs should be optimized. Adjustments may include revising the list of radionuclides analyzed, reducing the types of agricultural products monitored, and increasing the intervals between sampling. The need to focus efforts on developing REM programs for assessing impacts in normal and emergency situations is emphasized.

8. The Tendency of Internal Exposure Dose for Residents in Fukushima Prefecture by the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant Accident

2025-06-19

Takashi Ohba | Japanese Journal of Radiological Technology

Efficient soil decontamination via rapid ion exchange in vacuum

2025-06-19

Iwao Shimoyama , Yuji Baba | Journal of Environmental Management

Accumulation and depuration kinetics of 137Cs in freshwater algae and macrophyte

2025-06-18

S. Nawaz , Nadeem Yaqoob , Waqar-Un-Nisa +1 more | Environmental Monitoring and Assessment

Movement ecology of a large ungulate following human abandonment of areas contaminated by the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear accident

2025-06-18

Helen Bontrager , Travis E. Stoakley , Thomas G. Hinton +4 more | Environment International

The Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant disaster in the Tōhoku region of Japan resulted in the release of a large quantity of radionuclides into the environment; while humans were quickly … The Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant disaster in the Tōhoku region of Japan resulted in the release of a large quantity of radionuclides into the environment; while humans were quickly evacuated from the contaminated area, wildlife remained. Changes in human activity and presence can impact habitat use and movement patterns of wild animals across demographic levels, including shifts in resource selection such as incursions into human-abandoned areas. Thus, understanding changes in spatiotemporal patterns of wildlife within human-abandoned landscapes can help mitigate human-wildlife conflict in preparation for anthropogenic resettlement. In this study, we investigated spatial utilization and temporal behaviors of Japanese wild boar (Sus scrofa leucomystax) in and around the Fukushima Exclusion Zone (FEZ). We used GPS data from 34 wild boar within the FEZ to conduct second- and third-order resource selection and movement path analyses. We also included GPS data from seven additional wild boar collared surrounding the FEZ to generate hidden Markov models to compare the temporal trends of wild boar inside the FEZ to wild boar outside the FEZ across three behavioral states (e.g., resting, foraging, traveling). We found that wild boar within the FEZ shifted their activity patterns to be more diurnal than those outside the zone where humans continue to reside. Additionally, while wild boar within the FEZ used natural spaces like forests, individuals also selected for human-abandoned areas such as rice paddy fields and urban areas. Our results provide insights into the adaptability of wildlife following human abandonment following large-scale human displacement events.

Correction to: 137Cs-to-40K ratio and wind resuspension factor monitoring in Greece during the last forty years

2025-06-17

S. Stoulos , A. Ioannidou | Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry

Sedimentary characteristics of Pu and 237Np in the Pearl River Estuary under intensive land–ocean-human interactions

2025-06-16

Mengmeng Wu , Shaoming Pan , Dezheng Liu +5 more | Marine Pollution Bulletin

Meteorological effects on atmospheric radioactive particles: a review of recent research

2025-06-16

F I A Rashid , Mohd Idzat Idris , Irman Abdul Rahman +1 more | Journal of Nuclear Science and Technology

Evaluation of 60 Co inventory in the core of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant - contribution of fuel deposits to the reactor core inventory –

2025-06-16

Shunsuke Uchida , Chiaki Kino , Hidetoshi Karasawa +2 more | Journal of Nuclear Science and Technology

Differences between Radiation Dose Values under Wearing and Non-wearing Geometries of Personal Dosimeters during Sleep

2025-06-16

Jun Hirouchi , S. Takahara , Masatoshi Watanabe | Health Physics

Abstract With the return of residents after the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station accident, the measurement results of radiation doses to residents can be used to assess the risk or … Abstract With the return of residents after the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station accident, the measurement results of radiation doses to residents can be used to assess the risk or safety of remaining in their homes. However, personal radiation doses vary depending on the behavior and residential environment of each subject, even for a group of subjects living in the same region at the same time. In past studies, subjects were required to wear a personal dosimeter on their chests outdoors, but they were not required to wear the device indoors. This study investigated the difference between the dose values indicated for the wearing and non-wearing geometries of personal dosimeters during sleep. In particular, an adult human phantom was used to compare the indicated dose values when personal dosimeters were placed on the chest (reproducing the wearing geometry) and near the head (reproducing the non-wearing geometry) in two houses with a high measured radiation dose. Furthermore, to understand the reason for the difference in the indicated dose values, the radiation dose rate during sleep was calculated using a radiation transport calculation code. The dose values for the wearing geometry were approximately 4% lower on the first floor and approximately 15% lower on the second floor than those for the non-wearing geometry. In addition, the radiation dose rates and radiation dose rate ratios (head/chest) differed by approximately 30% and 20%, respectively, depending on the distance from the nearest window (1 to 3 m).

Measuring 210Po in natural waters: A comparison of three methods with similar results

2025-06-16

James T. Waples , Graham Hunter , Rachel A. Smith | Journal of Environmental Radioactivity

Investigation of Received Dose due to Cs-137 Release from a Hypothetical Accident for a Small Modular Reactor

2025-06-14

Javad Karimi , Mohsen Shayesteh , M. Far | Journal of Environmental Engineering

Comparing machine learning isoscapes of 87Sr/86Sr ratios of plants on the island of Sardinia: Implications for the use of isoscapes for assessing the provenance of biological specimens

2025-06-14

Emily Holt , Federico Lugli , Davide Schirru +5 more | The Science of The Total Environment

Trends in near-surface environmental tritium concentrations at chalk river site following shut down of the NRU reactor

2025-06-14

Volodymyr Korolevych | Journal of Environmental Radioactivity

Radiation Risk Perception of the Residents Who Provided Land for the Interim Storage Facilities in Okuma and Futaba Towns Adjacent to the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant

2025-06-13

Hitomi Matsunaga , Aizhan Zabirova , Yuya Kashiwazaki +2 more | Applied Sciences

To reduce environmental contamination following the release of various radionuclides during the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident, the Japanese government has continued decontamination work and decided to use interim … To reduce environmental contamination following the release of various radionuclides during the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident, the Japanese government has continued decontamination work and decided to use interim storage facilities (ISFs) in the towns of Okuma and Futaba to house large quantities of contaminated soil and waste until their final disposal. This study aims to clarify whether there are differences in the acceptance of removed soil for recycling between people who provided land for ISFs and those who do not. Furthermore, we analyzed the risk perception of the radiation effects on offspring, trust in information from public authorities, and intention to return to their hometown. A questionnaire survey was conducted at Okuma and Futaba town homes in the ISF area. Compared with those who did not provide land to the ISFs (n = 538, 68.0%), people who provided land (n = 141, 77.9%) responded that they were accepting the building of the ISFs (p = 0.018). Meanwhile, approximately half of the respondents were “unable to decide” concerning the recycling of removed soil in their current region of residence regardless of whether the land provided or not. Similarly, there were no significant differences between the groups regarding radiation risk perceptions of the offspring effects on residents and intention to return, or whether to provide land to the ISFs. The study suggests that it is important to continue radiation risk communication to determine whether people have provided land to the ISFs.

The Impact of Tritium in the Environment

2025-06-13

V. Dolin , Y. Yakovlev , Salvatore Angelo Cancemi +1 more | Applied Sciences

Tritium is a radioisotope that is extremely mobile in the biosphere and that can be transferred to the environment and to humans mainly via tritium oxide or tritiated water. Moreover, … Tritium is a radioisotope that is extremely mobile in the biosphere and that can be transferred to the environment and to humans mainly via tritium oxide or tritiated water. Moreover, as is widely known, it is extremely difficult to detect in the environment. In the last decade, many studies and research activities have been performed to fill the knowledge gap on this radionuclide, the amount of which is expected to be increasingly released into the environment from nuclear installations in the near future. Considering this and the fact that the biological and environmental effects produced by tritium have been examined mainly from a medical and detection monitoring point of view, it is considered important to propose in this study a review of the critical aspects of tritium from the environmental, engineering, and waste management points of view. Identifying sources and effects of tritium, tritium materials and wastes containing tritium in the environment is also fundamental for planning the specific and necessary actions required for an effective waste management approach under, e.g., disposal conditions. The critical analysis of the published recent studies has allowed to evaluate, for example, that the expected rate of tritium generation in a fusion reactor is four orders of magnitude higher than that of LWRs, and the environmental release from a fusion reactor is 1.4–2.2‱, which is twice as much as from a heavy water reactor and more than two orders of magnitude higher than from a LWRs. Furthermore, with reference to the waste management strategy, it is emphasized, e.g., that the condensation of moisture inside vaults and the interaction of H2O with the disposal body determine the formation of tritiated water, which is filtered through the concrete and eventually released into the environment. Consequently, in the selection of engineered barrier materials for repositories/disposal facilities, the use of a mixture of a framework and layered silicates is proposed to improve its absorption and filtering properties.

Analysis and quantification of tritium and other low-level radionuclides present in ALPS-treated water

2025-06-13

Asako Shimada , Ko Hemmi , Saki Ohira +1 more | Analytical Sciences

Cesium Accumulation Patterns and Stress Response in Hydroponic Radish (Raphanus sativus L.): A Physiological–Transcriptomic Study

2025-06-12

Yin Wen , Xi Chen , Ming Sun +7 more | Plants

The present study systematically investigated the cesium (Cs) enrichment characteristics and physiological responses to Cs exposure in radish (Raphanus sativus L.) seedlings under hydroponic conditions through integrated physiological, biochemical, and … The present study systematically investigated the cesium (Cs) enrichment characteristics and physiological responses to Cs exposure in radish (Raphanus sativus L.) seedlings under hydroponic conditions through integrated physiological, biochemical, and transcriptome analyses. The results showed that the Cs content in radish roots, stems, and cotyledons increased progressively with rising Cs concentrations (0.25–2 mM), and Cs mainly accumulated in the cotyledon. The transfer factor (TF) increased by 63.29% (TF = 3.87) as the Cs concentration increased from 0.25 to 2 mM, while the biological concentration factor (BCF) decreased by 72.56% (BCF = 14.87). Severe growth inhibition was observed at 2 mM Cs stress, with biomass reduction reaching 29.73%. The carotenoid content decreased by 11.92%; however, the total chlorophyll content did not change significantly, and the photosynthesis of radish was not affected. In addition, Cs exposure disrupted mineral nutrient homeostasis, decreasing potassium (K), sodium (Na), magnesium (Mg), and iron (Fe) content. The superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT) activities, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and malondialdehyde (MDA) content increased under the different Cs treatments, which indicated that Cs exposure induced oxidative stress response in radish seedlings. Transcriptome analysis detected a total of 4326 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), in which altered expression patterns in genes associated with mineral transport, antioxidant systems, and carotenoid biosynthesis pathways in radish under 2 mM Cs treatment were observed. In conclusion, this study comprehensively investigated the physiological and molecular responses of radish to Cs stress, revealing that Cs accumulation exhibited site-specific preference and concentration dependence and induced physiological disturbances, including growth inhibition and photosynthetic pigment metabolism alterations. At the transcription level, Cs activated the enzymatic antioxidant system, related genes, and stress-response pathways. Notably, this study is the first to demonstrate that Cs disrupts plant mineral nutrition homeostasis and inhibits carotenoid biosynthesis. These findings establish a crucial theoretical foundation for utilizing radish in Cs-contaminated phytoremediation strategies.

Reconstruction of radioactivity in semi-closed ocean systems using nuclear methods: a case study at North Cretan basin

2025-06-12

Zoi Maniati , C. Tsabaris , E.G. Androulakaki +4 more | HNPS Advances in Nuclear Physics

A sediment core was collected using a box corer from the North Cretan deep basin, at a depth of 1500 m, in order to determine the rate of sedimentation, to … A sediment core was collected using a box corer from the North Cretan deep basin, at a depth of 1500 m, in order to determine the rate of sedimentation, to measure the levels of radioactivity of 137Cs and to investigate potential past geophysical events. The activity concentrations of the radionuclides were measured in the laboratory by the gamma spectroscopy method using a High-Purity Germanium (HPGe) detector at the Marine Environmental Laboratory of HCMR. The sedimentation rate was calculated applying radio-dating models by both the 210Pb and the 137Cs methods. The low sedimentation in the studied area exhibited folded peaks of the Cs deposition due to Chernobyl and nuclear tests. The results of the measurements showed that Cs appeared in the first 4 cm of the sediment core and its activity concentration ranged from (6.66 ± 0.62) Bq kg-1 to (1.39 ± 0.28) Bq kg-1, with a value of (6.66 ± 0.62) Bq kg-1 on the surface sample. The sedimentation rate was estimated at (0.037 ± 0.007) cm y-1 with the 210Pb radiochronology model. Additionally, it was observed the signature of the volcanic eruption that took place close to Santorini Island (almost 300 years ago) was evident at around 10.5-11.0 cm. The deep basin of the North Cretan Sea, although it does not interact with the terrestrial environment, was affected by anthropogenic pressures, as well as by the footprint of natural hazards.

Comparison of 90Sr/137Cs activity ratios in the soil of fallout plumes from aboveground nuclear and thermonuclear tests at the Semipalatinsk Test Site

2025-06-06

Yu. V. Baklanova , A.M. Kabdyrakova , А. О. Айдарханов +6 more | Journal of Environmental Radioactivity

Nuclear weapons testing leaves behind radioactive contamination as a long-lasting legacy and public health hazard at the Semipalatinsk Test Site (STS) and the 90Sr and 137Cs radionuclides are fission products … Nuclear weapons testing leaves behind radioactive contamination as a long-lasting legacy and public health hazard at the Semipalatinsk Test Site (STS) and the 90Sr and 137Cs radionuclides are fission products with relatively high bioavailability due to the similarity of strontium to calcium and cesium to potassium. This study investigated 90Sr and 137Cs activity concentrations and 90Sr/137Cs ratios in topsoil (0-5 cm) and soil particle-size fractions collected in the fallout plumes from the 38 kt aboveground nuclear test conducted on September 24, 1951 (the Southern plume) and the 400 kt first thermonuclear test on August 12, 1953 (the Southeastern plume) at the center of the Experimental Field test site of the STS. From our findings, activity levels of radioactive 137Cs contamination were comparable in the two plumes, but the Southeastern plume had higher 90Sr levels. The estimated 90Sr/137Cs ratios were between 0.4 and 1.7 for the Southern plume, while the ratios of thermonuclear test's plume ranged between 1.1 and 5.4, which are assumed to be due to the different types and yields of the nuclear charges. For the Southeastern plume, the values of the 90Sr/137Cs ratios in soil particle-size fractions reduce as the size of the fractions decreased from 1000 to 40 μm. High activity concentration ratios of up to 6.2 were observed for fractions ranging from 250 to 1000 μm. In the Southern plume, radionuclides were concentrated in the 250-100 μm fraction, without variability of the radionuclide ratios based on particle-size fractions. The maximum 90Sr/137Cs ratio for the Southern plume did not exceed 3, and was less than 1 for finer fractions. As a result, the distribution of radionuclides by particle-sized fractions of soils in combination with other precision diagnostic methods of radioactive particles can help to identify sources and nature of radioactive fallout and to assess the degree of transformation of radioactive fallout over time, as well as the long-term effects of radioactive contamination on various environmental components.

Determination of radiocarbon in environmental objects

2025-06-05

A. M. Raimkanova , A. S. Mamyrbayeva , А. К. Айдарханова +3 more | PLoS ONE

This article presents the results of radiocarbon distribution in natural components of ‘Degelen’ test location. It was used to conduct underground nuclear tests at the Semipalatinsk Test Site. Near-entry areas … This article presents the results of radiocarbon distribution in natural components of ‘Degelen’ test location. It was used to conduct underground nuclear tests at the Semipalatinsk Test Site. Near-entry areas with water inflows were selected for research. Soil, plant and water samples were taken, in which the radiocarbon content was determined. The 14 С activity concentration was determined using a highly sensitive alpha-beta radiometer SL-300 (ISO 13162, 2021). Sample preparation was carried out using a modern automated system Pyrolyser-6 Trio (Raddec International Ltd, UK). In the course of research undertaken, radiocarbon was revealed to be nonuniformly distributed in environmental objects. The effectiveness of Pyrolyser-6 Trio calcination and ashing system for 14 C determination in environmental matrices has been demonstrated.

An Evaluation of Actinide Reactivity with CO2, O2, and O2/He Gases using Inductively Coupled Plasma Tandem Mass Spectrometry: Application to Simultaneous Measurement of 241Am/241Pu Ratios in Unseparated Complex Matrices

2025-06-04

Tyler D. Schlieder , Kirby Hobbs , Amanda D. French +3 more | Analytical Chemistry

Accurate actinide measurements are critical within the field of nuclear science. Traditional methods for actinide quantification require time-consuming sample processing prior to analysis. There is a need for rapid analytical … Accurate actinide measurements are critical within the field of nuclear science. Traditional methods for actinide quantification require time-consuming sample processing prior to analysis. There is a need for rapid analytical techniques that still maintain a high degree of accuracy. In this work, actinide reactivity was assessed for multiple oxygen-containing reaction gases using quadrupole inductively coupled plasma tandem mass spectrometry (Q-ICP-MS/MS) to evaluate actinide analysis in complex sample matrices without analyte-matrix separation. A novel method was developed to measure 241Am/241Pu in complex sample matrices using an O2/He reaction gas with no matrix removal or analyte preconcentration. This inline method reduces matrix-derived polyatomic interferences that complicate traditional ICP-MS analyses by mass-shifting to 241Am16O+ and 241Pu16O2+, allowing Am and Pu to be mass separated for simultaneous analysis. While mass shifting is efficient, a small portion of Am+ (<1.3%) and Pu+ (<1.4%) react to form AmO2+ and PuO+, respectively. Therefore, a mass balance approach was used, in combination with reactivity determined from 242Pu and 243Am standard solutions, to correct for residual 241PuO+ and 241AmO2+. The method was validated by measuring 241Am/241Pu in Pu isotope standards CRM-136 and CRM-137 (separated in March/April 1970 and February 2022, respectively) in both neat solutions and complex matrices containing diluted soil (NIST SRM 2711a, > 1000 μg·g-1). Method detection limits of 15.9 and 9.6 fg·g-1 were determined for 241Am and 241Pu, respectively, and 241Am/241Pu ratios were measured with accuracies within <3.5%. This work presents the first direct analysis of 241Am/241Pu in unseparated complex matrices, advancing the capabilities for rapid actinide measurements.

Preliminary Insights Into the Feasibility of Determining the Purification Date of Enriched Uranium by Direct Measurement of the 230Th/234U Ratio Using an All‐Faraday Detector Configuration on the Neoma MC‐ICP‐MS

2025-06-04

N. Alex Zirakparvar , Benjamin T. Manard , Daniel R. Dunlap +4 more | Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry

Mass spectrometric measurement of the 230Th/234U ratio to calculate the purification age of enriched uranium is typically conducted via a combination of ion counters and faraday detectors, thus requiring an … Mass spectrometric measurement of the 230Th/234U ratio to calculate the purification age of enriched uranium is typically conducted via a combination of ion counters and faraday detectors, thus requiring an inter-detector calibration scheme. Our aim is to understand whether the pursuit of a simplified measurement scheme involving only faraday detectors is feasible. We investigate the possibility of determining U-Th model ages for two enriched uranium standards (NBL U630 and U850) by direct measurement of the 230Th/234U ratio (without chromatographic separation or isotope dilution) on a ThermoFisher Scientific Neoma MC-ICP-MS utilizing both solution and laser ablation (LA)-based sampling techniques and an all-faraday detector configuration. For the solution mode analyses conducted on aliquots containing sub μg/mL total U, we produce composite average 230Th/234U model dates of May 19, 1988 (± 351 days), and March 26, 1961 (± 2.5 years) using the directly measured 230Th/234U ratios for the NBL U630 and U850 uranium standards, which have certified purification dates of June 6, 1988 (± 190 days), and December 31, 1957 (± 36.5 days), respectively. The ages produced by LA-based sampling of dried residues of the same standards deposited onto cotton TexWipes are less accurate and of poorer precision (June 23, 2004 ± 8.7 years for U630 and December 21, 1965 ± 7.9 years for U850) but still yield meaningful information in regards to the purification date. We believe that further refinement of the all faraday detector measurement approach to include development of a more robust Th/U relative sensitivity factor determination, signal cutoff selection, and data processing protocols will allow for this approach to be confidently applied to enriched uranium materials with unknown purification histories. Potential advantages of the method include the reduced sample handling and infrastructure requirements as well as the ability to simultaneously generate a broad picture of the uranium isotopic composition in tandem with the U-Th age determination.

Evaluation of the sample preparation method for environmental reference matrices suitable for organically-bound tritium interlaboratory comparison exercises

2025-06-04

Simona Zaharov , Alexandru Nedelcu , Daniel Dupleac | Journal of Environmental Radioactivity