Kinetics of ~3H, ~(90)Sr and ~(137）Cs content changes in hydrosphere in the Vltava River system (Czech Republic)

摘要

The paper presents results and interpretation of long-term monitoring of occurrence and behaviour of radioisotopes H-3, Sr-90, and Cs-137 in the vicinity of the Temelin Nuclear Power Plant. H-3, Sr-90, and Cs-137 originate predominantly from residual contamination due to atmospheric nuclear weapons tests and the Chemobyl disaster in the last century. Monitoring of radionuclides comprised surface waters, river sediments, aquatic plants, and fish. This enables an up-to-date appraisal of the Temelin Nuclear Power Plant impact on the hydrosphere in all indicators at standard power plant operation, as well as at critical situations. The time and spatial variability of these radionuclide concentrations were monitored in the hydrosphere at in- and out-flow of the Orlik Water Reservoir. The basic evaluated radioecological characteristics can be used in assessing the long-term kinetics of decline and behaviour of radionuclides and their potential release into the environment. A very slow decline in H-3 concentration at unaffected sites was observed. At sites downstream from the power plant the H-3 concentrations were significantly higher, an evident impact of the power plant operation. A decline in Sr-90 and Cs-137 concentrations was observed in all the monitored indicators. Also, the characteristic effective and ecological half-lives were evaluated.