Izvestiya vuzov. Yadernaya Energetika

The peer-reviewed scientific and technology journal. ISSN: 0204-3327

Levels of Natural Radionuclides and 137Cs in Waterbodies nearby the Karpov Research and Development Institute of Physical Chemistry

6/30/2025 2025 - #02 Environmental aspects of nuclear power

Udalova A.A. Melnikova T.V. Minakov D.A. Nepogodina Y.V. Kiseleva L.A. Shpilko M.A.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.26583/npe.2025.2.08

UDC: 574.4; 504.05; 621.039

In the course of 6-year studies (2019 – 2023), the radioecological situation was studied in a vicinity of the Karpov Research and Development Institute of Physical Chemistry (Karpov Institute) in Obninsk, a nuclear and radiation hazardous facility with a long history of operation that implements non-energy applications of nuclear and radiation technologies. In this paper, the findings are presented from a study of the content of natural radionuclides and 137Cs in water bodies located within the facility impact zone. Six water bodies of different types located in the sanitary protection zone and the observation zone of the Karpov Institute were studied, including artificial reservoirs (ponds) filled only as a result of precipitation, flowing water bodies - rivers, as well as a weak-flowing reservoir 1 fed by water coming from the territory of the Karpov Institute. Water samples (in spring, summer and autumn) and bottom sediments were taken annually. The values of the hydrogen index (pH 6.52-9.06) and mineralization (18.3 – 802.3 mg/l) of water, the ambient equivalent dose rate (ADER) above the water surface (from 0.09 ± 0.01 to 0.12 ± 0.01 μSv/h) and the content of 137Cs and natural radionuclides 226Ra, 232Th, 40K in water and bottom sediments were determined. It was shown that the physicochemical parameters, ADER levels and the content of 137Cs and natural radionuclides in the water of small reservoirs of artificial origin in the facility sanitary protection zone, as well as in the rivers in the Karpov Institute observation zone correspond to the typical values of water bodies in central Russia. The exception is reservoir 1, which shows signs of increased technogenic impact: the ADER levels reached 0.37 μSv/h with an average value of 0.19 ± 0.01 μSv/h; the specific activity of 226Ra and 137Cs in some water samples exceeded the intervention level by up to 35 and 2 times, respectively. The most serious deviations from the global fallout level were detected in the bottom sediments of reservoir 1, where the average values of the 137Cs specific activity varied from 1020 ± 271 to 2083 ± 403 Bq/kg, with the maximum recorded value of 6700 ± 700 Bq/kg. The detected radioactive contamination affects a local spot; no elevated levels of 137Cs were detected in the adjacent territories. However, in order to draw a correct conclusion about the state of radiation safety at the location of reservoir 1 and to make a decision on the need for intervention, it is advisable to conduct additional targeted studies.

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137Cs natural radionuclides waterbodies bottom sediment environment radioactive contamination research reactor radioisotopes production

Link for citing the article: Udalova A.A., Melnikova T.V., Minakov D.A., Nepogodina Y.V., Kiseleva L.A., Shpilko M.A. Levels of Natural Radionuclides and 137Cs in Waterbodies nearby the Karpov Research and Development Institute of Physical Chemistry. Izvestiya vuzov. Yadernaya Energetika. 2025, no. 2, pp. 86-99; DOI: https://doi.org/10.26583/npe.2025.2.08 (in Russian).

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