The Chernobyl Accident and Its Aquatic Impacts on the Surrounding Area

Voitsekhovich, Oleg V.; Kanivets, Volodymyr; Onishi, Yasuo

doi:10.1007/1-4020-5349-5_2

Cited by 5 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 29 publications

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“…The Pripyat River during the post-accident period showed decreasing trends of 137 Cs and 90 Sr in river water (Supplemental Information, Figure S9.1 ). This time dynamics was determined by radionuclide leaching rates from fuel particles, deepening of mobile forms of radionuclides in the soil profile and gradual depletion of activity sources in flooded soils and near-channel wetlands, which mainly contributed to contamination of the river water 22 , 42 , 45 , 70 . Declining trends in radioactivity of water are also observed following the Chernobyl accident for small rivers in the CEZ such as the Sakhan River and Uzh River 31 , 39 , 44 .…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The Chernobyl accident on 26 April 1986 resulted in the release of radioactivity from the damaged Unit 4 to the atmosphere in the form of aerosols and dispersed nuclear fuel particles (FP) resulting in deposition to the surrounding areas. The highest levels of contamination of environmental media (soils, forests, water bodies) by radioactive fallout containing long-lived radionuclides ( 137 Cs, 90 Sr, 241 Am and Pu isotopes) were observed in the 30-km zone surrounding the Chernobyl nuclear power plant (ChNPP) 28 , 35 , 70 (Fig. 1 ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Natural attenuation processes control groundwater contamination in the Chernobyl exclusion zone: evidence from 35 years of radiological monitoring

Bugai

Kireev²,

Hoque

et al. 2022

Sci Rep

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The Chernobyl Exclusion Zone (CEZ) contains the vast majority of radionuclides released by the accident in nuclear fuel particle form. We present and analyze groundwater measurements collected from the monitoring network in CEZ covering key aquifers over 35 years since the accident. These new data, together with a comprehensive analysis of historical data shows that 90Sr remains mobile in the subsurface environment, while groundwater concentrations of 137Cs, Pu isotopes and 241Am are relatively low, and are not of radiological concern. During the last two decades, 90Sr and 137Cs levels have declined or remained stable over time in the majority of monitoring locations. This is due to natural attenuation driven by gradual exhaustion of the fuel particle source, geochemical evolution of groundwater downstream from waste dumps and radionuclide retention in surface soil due to absorption and bio-cycling. Decommissioning of the cooling pond and construction of the ‘New safe confinement’ over Unit 4 (damaged reactor) also favored better protection of groundwater close to the Chernobyl plant site. Data from confined and unconfined aquifers, as well as rivers, evidence low radiological risks from groundwater contamination both outside the CEZ and to onsite “self-settlers”. Though several groundwater contamination “hot spots” remain in the vicinity of Unit 4, “Red Forest” waste trenches and surface water bodies with contaminated bottom sediments, the findings of this study support a monitored natural attenuation approach to groundwater management in the CEZ.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Natural attenuation processes control groundwater contamination in the Chernobyl exclusion zone: evidence from 35 years of radiological monitoring

Bugai

Kireev²,

Hoque

et al. 2022

Sci Rep

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“…Twenty-one years later after the Chernobyl power plant explosion, various isotopes of plutonium, strontium-90, americium-241, and cesium-137 were still detected at high levels causing adverse biological effects across the nearby areas ( Voitsekhovych et al 2007 ). Wildlife continued to be exposed to substantial radiation doses after humans were evacuated from these areas.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In general, adult insects are believed to be resistant to radiation. These insects were significantly affected by radiation possibly because of the ingestion of a combination of plutonium, strontium-90, americium-241, and/or cesium-137 leading to internal contamination with α , β and γ combined radiation in these areas ( Voitsekhovych et al 2007 ). The eggs and larva forms are also more sensitive to radiation in general and some grow in close contact with the contaminated ground ( Bonisoli-Alquati et al 2018 ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A review of the impact on the ecosystem after ionizing irradiation: wildlife population

Cannon

Kiang

2020

International Journal of Radiation Biology

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Purpose: On 26 April 1986, reactor 4 at the Chernobyl power plant underwent a catastrophic failure leading to core explosions and open-air fires. On 11 March 2011, a combination of earthquake and tsunami led to a similar disaster at the Fukushima Daiichi power plant. In both cases, radioactive isotopes were released and contaminated the air, soil and water in a substantial area around the power plants. Humans were evacuated from the immediate regions but the wildlife stayed and continued to be affected by the ongoing high radiation exposure initially and later decayed amounts of fallout dusts with time. In this review, we will examine the significant effects of the increased radiation on vegetation, insects, fish, birds and mammals. Conclusions: The initial intense radiation in these areas has gradually begun to decrease but still remains high. Adaptation to radiation is evident and the ecosystems have dynamically changed from the periods immediately after the accidents to the present day. Understanding the molecular mechanisms that allow the adaptation and recovery of wildlife to chronic radiation challenges would aid in future attempts at ecosystem remediation in the wake of such incidents.

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Estimation of the level of anthropogenic impact based on the determination of radionuclides and heavy metals in sediments taken from Rybnik reservoir, Poland

Szarłowicz,

Baran,

Wójs

et al. 2024

Environ Sci Pollut Res

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The aim of the study was to estimate the degree of anthropogenic risk by evaluating the level of the contamination of sediments collected from the Rybnik reservoir. The results of the determination of radionuclides (137Cs, 40K, 228Th, 228Ra, 226Ra, 210Pb, 238U) and heavy metals (Zn, Cd, Pb, Cu, Cr, Ni) were presented. The Rybnik reservoir is located in a highly urbanised area, the Lower Silesian Voivodeship in Poland. Radionuclides (137Cs, 40K, 228Th, 228Ra, 226Ra, 210Pb, 238U) were measured using gamma spectrometry. The heavy metal (Zn, Cd, Pb, Cu, Ni and Cr) content was determined using an inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrophotometer (ICP-OES). The classification of sediment pollution was made on the basis of geochemical and ecotoxicological indices. Radioactivity was varied with the highest for 40K (more than 200 Bq·kg−1). The concentrations for the remaining radionuclides were mostly below 20 Bq·kg−1. At the inlet zone (no. 9) an increase in radioactivity of each radioisotope was observed. The values of heavy metals from the lowest to the highest total amount in the sediments were as follows: Cd < Cr < Pb < Ni < Cu < Zn. The sediments of the reservoir are largely contaminated with Cu, but the sediments generally are contaminated to an average degree. Most pollutants accumulate in the inlet zone and near the dam wall. The content of artificial radionuclides, as well as the geochemical and ecological indicators used, can serve as an indicator of the level of anthropopressure in the vicinity of the Rybnik reservoir.

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The Chernobyl Accident and Its Aquatic Impacts on the Surrounding Area

Cited by 5 publications

References 29 publications

Natural attenuation processes control groundwater contamination in the Chernobyl exclusion zone: evidence from 35 years of radiological monitoring

Natural attenuation processes control groundwater contamination in the Chernobyl exclusion zone: evidence from 35 years of radiological monitoring

A review of the impact on the ecosystem after ionizing irradiation: wildlife population

Estimation of the level of anthropogenic impact based on the determination of radionuclides and heavy metals in sediments taken from Rybnik reservoir, Poland

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