Title: Analysis of reconstruction of the composition of liquid radioactive waste released into the Techa River in 1949–1956

Authors: Yu. G. Mokrov

Addresses: 31 Lenin Str., 'Mayak' PA, Ozyorsk, Russia

Abstract: An analysis of archival data of liquid radioactive waste samples and Techa River bottom sediments was made, taking into consideration the radiochemical methods for extraction and beta-emitting radionuclide activity measurements existing in the early 1950s. It was stated that the radionuclide composition of the routine and accidental liquid radioactive waste releases in 1949–1951 corresponded to the radionuclide composition of the fission products accumulated in the nuclear reactor fuel and in the liquid radioactive waste storage tank, with operating modes typical for that time period in reactor and radiochemical plants. It was stated that the data obtained by Ilyin (1956) for the assessment of radionuclide composition and liquid radioactive-waste release rate in the Techa River were not correct, and for retrospective assessment of the population exposure dose for near-stream residents, this could result in substantial underassessment of the data obtained.

Keywords: liquid radioactive waste; radionuclide composition; fission products; radiochemical plant; beta-emitters; river bottom sediments; routine waste release; Russia; accidental waste release; nuclear reactors; population exposure dose; low radiation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJLR.2007.014486

International Journal of Low Radiation, 2007 Vol.4 No.1, pp.17 - 32

Published online: 11 Jul 2007 *

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