Release of radioactive cesium to the environment during standard npp operations

摘要

Abstract The article analyzes the specific emission and discharge of cesium isotopes at NPPs in the USA, Russia, and Europe for the periods of 2005–2021, 2007–2021, and 1995–2021, respectively. The ranking of NPPs with seven types of reactors according to “best,” “worst,” and “sustainable” categories was carried out. Less than 0.01 of radiation accidents involve radioactive cesium released to the environment due to emissions and discharges of NPPs. Current discharge of 134Cs and 137Cs equals 8.14?·?10?7 and 1.94?·?10?6?GBq/GWh, respectively, while the emission of 134Cs and 137Cs amounts to 3.97?·?10?8 and 4.67?·?10?8?GBq/GWh, respectively (1995–2021 median value). The minimum achievable level (median specific emission and discharge of the “best” category), which can be used to comply with the basic principle of the INPRO methodology, is as follows: 134Cs and 137Cs discharge and emission are 5.46?·?10?8 and 1.33?·?10?7, 9.23?·?10?9 and 4?·?10?9?GBq/(GWh), respectively.