Airborne concentrations and chemical considerations of radioactive ruthenium from an undeclared major nuclear release in 2017.

In October 2017, most European countries reported unique atmospheric detections of aerosol-bound radioruthenium (106Ru). The range of concentrations varied from some tenths of µBq·m-3 to more than 150 mBq·m-3 The widespread detection at such considerable (yet innocuous) levels suggested a considerable release. To compare activity reports of airborne 106Ru with different sampling periods, concentrations were reconstructed based on the most probable plume presence duration at each location. Based on airborne concentration spreading and chemical considerations, it is possible to assume that the release occurred in the Southern Urals region (Russian Federation). The 106Ru age was estimated to be about 2 years. It exhibited highly soluble and less soluble fractions in aqueous media, high radiopurity (lack of concomitant radionuclides), and volatility between 700 and 1,000 °C, thus suggesting a release at an advanced stage in the reprocessing of nuclear fuel. The amount and isotopic characteristics of the radioruthenium release may indicate a context with the production of a large 144Ce source for a neutrino experiment.

Uncertainties in calculated correction factors for true coincidence-summing (TCS).

The aim of this work was to estimate the uncertainties in Monte Carlo calculated correction factors for true coincidence summing (TCS). In this work TCS-factors and their uncertainties were calculated for 134Cs and then the corrected activities compared to empirical data. The study was carried out using a close-end coaxial p-type detector (Ø80mm×54.5mm, 80% relative efficiency) and a cylindrical glass fiber sample (Ø60mm×14mm). It was shown that the uncertainty in the calculated correction factor for the primary gamma ray was below 0.5%, which means it will not contribute significantly to the combined uncertainty in an activity measurement for e.g. environmental monitoring.

Tracking of airborne radionuclides from the damaged Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear reactors by European networks.

Radioactive emissions into the atmosphere from the damaged reactors of the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant (NPP) started on March 12th, 2011. Among the various radionuclides released, iodine-131 ((131)I) and cesium isotopes ((137)Cs and (134)Cs) were transported across the Pacific toward the North American continent and reached Europe despite dispersion and washout along the route of the contaminated air masses. In Europe, the first signs of the releases were detected 7 days later while the first peak of activity level was observed between March 28th and March 30th. Time variations over a 20-day period and spatial variations across more than 150 sampling locations in Europe made it possible to characterize the contaminated air masses. After the Chernobyl accident, only a few measurements of the gaseous (131)I fraction were conducted compared to the number of measurements for the particulate fraction. Several studies had already pointed out the importance of the gaseous (131)I and the large underestimation of the total (131)I airborne activity level, and subsequent calculations of inhalation dose, if neglected. The measurements made across Europe following the releases from the Fukushima NPP reactors have provided a significant amount of new data on the ratio of the gaseous (131)I fraction to total (131)I, both on a spatial scale and its temporal variation. It can be pointed out that during the Fukushima event, the (134)Cs to (137)Cs ratio proved to be different from that observed after the Chernobyl accident. The data set provided in this paper is the most comprehensive survey of the main relevant airborne radionuclides from the Fukushima reactors, measured across Europe. A rough estimate of the total (131)I inventory that has passed over Europe during this period was <1% of the released amount. According to the measurements, airborne activity levels remain of no concern for public health in Europe.

An intercomparison of Monte Carlo codes used in gamma-ray spectrometry.

In an intercomparison exercise, the Monte Carlo codes most commonly used in gamma-ray spectrometry today were compared with each other in order to gauge the differences between them in terms of typical applications. No reference was made to experimental data; instead, the aim was to confront the codes with each other, as they were applied to the calculation of full-energy-peak and total efficiencies. Surprising differences between the results of different codes were revealed.

Proficiency test for gamma spectroscopic analysis with a simulated fission product reference spectrum.

Within the proficiency test programme for the radionuclide laboratories supporting the verification of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty, a simulated gamma spectrum with the characteristics of an atmospheric nuclear test was used as reference material. The spectrum was produced by the MCNP-based Virtual Gamma Spectroscopy Laboratory (VGSL), using analysis results of a historical measurement of nuclear weapons debris as input. The method was found suitable for a proficiency test assessing laboratories' gamma spectroscopic analysis.

Notes on radioxenon measurements for CTBT verification purposes.

The verification of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) includes, beside three different waveform techniques, global monitoring of radioactive aerosols and noble gases. The noble gases are difficult to contain for the illicit tester and are therefore of particular importance to identify signals from underground or underwater nuclear tests. Several isotopes of xenon are sufficiently produced in fission and a few have suitable half-lives and radiations to be detected. These are (131m)Xe, (133m)Xe, (133)Xe and (135)Xe and they have been selected for continuous monitoring. Four different systems have been developed to sample and measure them. Three of them use cryogenic or room-temperature gas chromatography processes and one a membrane technology. One measures by gamma spectroscopy, two by beta-gamma coincidence spectroscopy and one by beta-gated gamma spectroscopy. These systems are now undergoing trials at worldwide locations in the so-called International Noble Gas Experiment (INGE). In parallel, specific analytical software is being developed to examine the spectra produced by these different systems. This paper presents results from data acquired both from regions having a high radioxenon background and from remote low background stations.

Airborne short-lived radionuclides of unknown origin in sweden in 1976.

On five occasions during the first half of 1976 traces of neptunium-239 and molybdenum-99 were detected in southern Sweden. These activities were accompanied by small amounts of fission products such as iodine-131 and barium-140. One of the events was coincident in time with large peaks in the atmospheric tritium gas concentration.