Monitoring and evaluation of environmental radioactivity levels in Beijing, China, 2015—2022 / 中国辐射卫生

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the present situation of radiation environment in Beijing and provide data support for monitoring and management of radiation environment in Beijing. Methods The γ radiation dose rate of environmental surface as well as the radioactive levels of aerosol, sediment, surface water, and soil samples were monitored in Beijing from 2015 to 2022. The radioactive levels of various environmental elements in this area were presented using statistical charts and statistical tables, and the related issues were discussed. Results The automatic monitoring and cumulative monitoring results of γ radiation dose rate were in the range of local natural background fluctuation. The radioactive levels of beryllium-7, lead-210, and polonium-210 in aerosols were low in summer and high in winter. The radioactive levels of total α, total β, and beryllium-7 in sediments were low in winter and high in summer. The activity concentration of radionuclide potassium-40 in aerosols and sediments did not change significantly with seasons. The total α and total β radioactivity levels of surface water fluctuated within the range of background. These values of reservoir water were within the limits specified in the Hygienic Standard for Drinking Water (GB 5749—2006). Natural radionuclides in soil were within the range of natural background fluctuation, and artificial radionuclides in soil were within the range of normal fluctuation over the years. Conclusion From 2015 to 2022, the environmental surface γ radiation dose rate as well as aerosol, sediment, surface water, and soil radioactivity levels in Beijing were generally low, all of which fluctuated within the environmental background.