Residual radioactive contamination at the peaceful underground nuclear explosion sites "Craton-3" and "Crystal" in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia)

J Environ Radioact. 2002;60(1-2):221-34. doi: 10.1016/s0265-931x(01)00105-9.

Abstract

In this paper, results are reported on the concentrations and activity ratios of 137Cs, 239+240Pu and 238Pu in soils, lichen and bottom sediments collected at the peaceful underground nuclear explosion sites "Craton-3" and "Crystal" (Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), North-East Siberia). At the "Craton-3" site, 239- 240Pu concentrations in the range 6.2 mBq/g to 5.9 Bq/g in surface soils (0-5 cm) and 239+240Pu concentrations up to 7.4 Bq/g in lichen were observed. The 137Cs concentration in measured soils range from 0.52 to 216 Bq/g for the near-plume and from 1.65 to 21.5 Bq/g for the far-plume. In lichen, 137Cs concentration varied from a global background level up to 251 Bq/g. Radioactive contamination at "Crystal" demonstrates an extremely irregular distribution of 239,240Pu and 137Cs in environmental samples taken at locations within 150 m radius of the site. Further work on compiling detailed maps of radioactive contamination of the territory around "Craton-3" and "Crystal" is discussed.

MeSH terms

  • Cesium Radioisotopes / analysis
  • Environmental Monitoring
  • Geologic Sediments
  • Lichens
  • Nuclear Warfare*
  • Plutonium / analysis*
  • Radioactive Pollutants / analysis*
  • Russia
  • Soil Pollutants, Radioactive / analysis*

Substances

  • Cesium Radioisotopes
  • Radioactive Pollutants
  • Soil Pollutants, Radioactive
  • Plutonium