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

ABSTRACT: 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 t

SUBMITTER: Bugai D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9617897 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature