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  • Establishing control points...
    Sarap, Nataša B.; Janković, Marija M.; Krneta Nikolić, Jelena D.; Vukanac, Ivana S.; Rajačić, Milica M.

    Nuclear engineering and design, October 2024, 2024-10-00, Letnik: 427
    Journal Article

    •Sampling location scheme and corresponding measurement techniques were described.•Measurement results of the chosen samples are presented.•Analysis showed no contamination of Mlaka and consequently, of Danube.•Presented results serve as baseline for the regular monitoring design. This study deals with the design of the checkpoint system for monitoring the environmental radioactivity in the vicinity of the nuclear reactors. As the design site was selected the Vinča Institute of Nuclear Sciences in the capital city of the Republic of Serbia. There are situated two former nuclear research reactors with potential hazardous materials in controlled conditions. Due to the high risk of ecosystem contamination in the vicinity of various nuclear facilities such as reactor, radiological analyses of coastal soils, sediments and stream/river water were performed at the selected checkpoints. The investigation included determination of gross alpha and gross beta activities, gamma spectrometric analysis and analysis of 90Sr content in the collected environmental samples, as well as determination of 3H activity concentration, but only in water samples. Gross alpha activity ranged from 0.013 Bq/L to 0.057 Bq/L for water samples, from 130 Bq/kg to 280 Bq/kg for soil samples, and from 120 Bq/kg to 270 Bq/kg for sediment samples. Gross beta activity ranged from 0.128 Bq/L to 0.332 Bq/L for water samples, from 850 Bq/kg to 1600 Bq/kg for soil samples, and from 660 Bq/kg to 1200 Bq/kg for sediment samples. The main contribution to gamma radiation in water samples was made by 40K and 137Cs. The 226Ra/238U ratio ranged from 0.37 to 1.24 in soil and from 0.51 to 1.16 in sediment. 90Sr and 3H were detected in all studied samples. The presented results and the increased radiation risk in the above mentioned area show that the surrounding of the nuclear reactors and the exposure of the population to ionizing radiation must be constantly monitored.