[Regularities of lateral distribution of uranium and thorium decay series radionuclides in the anthropogenically changed soils from the area of radium production waste storage]

Radiats Biol Radioecol. 2012 Jan-Feb;52(1):103-12.
[Article in Russian]

Abstract

Cartographical investigations of the territory of radium production waste storage has shown some changes in lateral differentiation of radionuclides of uranium and thorium decay series to occur during 27 years (1981-2008). Those changes are caused mostly by flat denudation typical for fluvial terrace. At present radionuclides of uranium and thorium decay series are concentrated mostly in flood lands and relief depressions. At the same time, decrease in the radionuclide activity concentration in 0-20 cm soil layer is observed with changes in lateral distribution. Total stocks of 226Ra, 210Pb and 210Po within catena soils studied in the northern and southern parts of the waste storage decreased 3-6 times, 238U - 2 times, and did not significantly change in case of 232Th during 27 years. Nonetheless, most of the samples studied are referred to radioactive waste both according to Russian standards (SPORO-2002) and IAEA safety norms (IAEA, 2004).

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Industrial Waste / adverse effects
  • Industrial Waste / analysis*
  • Radioisotopes / adverse effects
  • Radioisotopes / analysis
  • Soil / analysis
  • Soil Pollutants, Radioactive / adverse effects
  • Soil Pollutants, Radioactive / analysis*
  • Thorium / analysis*
  • Uranium / adverse effects
  • Uranium / analysis*

Substances

  • Industrial Waste
  • Radioisotopes
  • Soil
  • Soil Pollutants, Radioactive
  • Uranium
  • Thorium