Radiation Conditions of the Environment and Biota on the Murmansk Bank in the Area of the Sunken Kursk Nuclear Submarine

摘要

Results of an expedition carried out in September 2000 aboard the R/V Dal'nie Zelentsy in the area of the wreck of the Kursk nuclear submarine in the Barents Sea are considered. Samples were collected and were analyzed for the contents of radionuclides in the water, bottom sediments, fishes, and benthic fauna. General characteristics are given of the oceanological conditions and benthic coenoses in terms of the potential hazard of radiation contamination. Data are presented on the radiation background in the Barents Sea from the results of the observations of recent years. The radioactivity of all the components of the marine ecosystem in the accident area in shown to be within the limits of background ariability. Modeloing calculations of the contamination of the marine environment in the case of leakage of radionuclides were made. Recommendations for carrying out local monitoring are given.