Temporal and spatial variations of 137Cs in the waters off a nuclear fuel reprocessing facility in Rokkasho, Aomori, Japan

摘要

Five survey cruises were carried out from 2004 to 2007 to determine 137Cs concentrations in the water columns off Rokkasho Village, Aomori Prefecture, Japan, where the spent nuclear fuel reprocessing plant of Japan Nuclear Fuel Ltd has been undergoing test operation since March 2006. Seawater samples were collected with a large volume in situ filtration and concentration system at different depths in the water column. 137Cs in particulate form could not be detected in the survey area. Dissolved 137Cs showed temporal variation, especially in the surface water. Based on the results, it was concluded that no observable 137Cs contamination was present in the investigated area. The distribution of 137Cs concentrations was influenced by the mixing between the Tsugaru and Oyashio Currents. Keywords 137Cs - Seawater - Vertical distribution - Western North Pacific