Ecological risks in some sites in Kaluga region contaminated with radionuclides as a result of the Chernobyl accident

"Radiation and Risk", 2018, vol. 27, No. 3, pp.42-54

DOI: 10.21870/0131-3878-2018-27-3-42-54

Authors

Antokhina V.A.¹ – Minister. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Ecology of the Kaluga region, Kaluga.
Maximova O.A.² – Associate Prof., C. Sc., Geol.-Mineral. Ecological Faculty of the Peoples' Friendship University of Russia, Moscow.
Buryakova A.A.³ – Engineer. Research and Production Association «Typhoon», Roshydromet, Obninsk. Contacts: 4 Pobedy str., Obninsk, Kaluga region, Russia, 249038. Tel.: (484) 397-16-01; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
Kryshev I.I.³ – Main Researcher, D. Sc., Phys.-Math., Prof. Research and Production Association «Typhoon», Roshydromet, Obninsk.

Abstract

The study was aimed to evaluate ecological risks in some sites in Kaluga region contaminated with radionuclides following the Chernobyl accident. Data of the "Chernobyl" data base were used for risk evaluation. Dose rates to biota and ecological risks were evaluated in accordance with recommendations of "Roshydromet" and ICRP (Publication 108). Density of soil contamination with radionuclides in May 1986 was evaluated with the use of measured data and calculated isotope ratios. The highest calculated dose rate to reference organisms was 0.19-0.46 mGy/d in the first period after the accident, it was below the level of ecological safety. The main contributor to radiation dose to plants and soil invertebrates was soil radionuclides. The main contributors to dose to vertebrates were external radiation and internal exposure to incorporated radionuclides. In the first period fol-lowing the accident some vertebrates and the pine tree received the highest radiation doses. Radionuclides ¹³¹I, ¹⁴⁰Ba+¹⁴⁰La were the main contributors to dose to the reference organisms. Cesium radionuclides were main contributors to dose to vertebrates; radionuclides ¹⁴⁰Ba+¹⁴⁰La were main contributors to dose to plants and soil invertebrates. In May 1986 contribution of short-living radionuclides to dose was 30-80%. In the course of time contribution of ¹³⁷Cs to dose increased. At present time in all sites contaminated in 1986 the level of radiation is lower, than the level, which ensures preservation of favorable environment. Results presented in the article can be useful for study of dynamics of ecological risk values and for planning radioecological monitoring the sites affected by radiation as a result of radiological events.

Key words
Ecological risk, Chernobyl accident, Kaluga region, biota, reference species, soil, radionuclides, cesium-137, radiation dose rate, derived consideration reference levels – DCRL, radioecological monitoring.

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