Modelling the mitigation speeds of 137Cs, 90Sr and 131I in the topsoils and assessment of the radiological hazards

• Published in: Ecotoxicology and environmental safety 2019-03, Vol.169, p.216-224
• Main Authors: Nguyen Van, Thang, Thi Ngoc, Han Phan, Xuan, Son Vi, Huu, Trong Tran, Phong, Thu Huynh Nguyen, Le Cong, Hao
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Artificial radionuclide; CEMC soil model; Environmental modelling; Radiological hazard
• ISSN: 0147-6513; 1090-2414
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2018.11.013

Fate modelling of artificial radionuclides (ARs) in top soils are necessary to assess the radiological effects to population. Among ARs, 137Cs, 90Sr and 131I are very important since the large abundances in the environment. In this study, the fates of 137Cs, 90Sr and 131I in the surface soil layers were simulated by the soil model which was developed by the Canadian Centre for Environmental Modelling and Chemistry (CEMC). The scenario that 137Cs, 90Sr and 131I contaminated in topsoil in the exclusion of Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant (NPP) accident was evaluated. The results show the expected time for the minimum hazardous level of exposure. It is 115.5 days after the exposure, when the total effective dose is 1 mSv y−1 in which 0.46 mSv y−1 from ingestion and 0.54 mSv y−1 from gamma exposure. Hazard levels due to exposure progresses are varied in order gamma exposure (82.14%) > ingestion (17.47%) > inhalation (0.39%). The hazard levels from radionuclides are varied in order 137Cs (63.34%) > 131I (33.48%) > 90Sr (3.18%). [Display omitted] •Modelling the fates of artificial radionuclides (ARs) in topsoil layers.•The effective half-lives of ARs correlated with the soil layer thickness.•Radiation doses were estimated for both internal and external exposures.•Long-term and short-term radiological hazards due to extreme conditions were studied.•Hazardous levels were in order 137Cs > 131I > 90Sr for radiological assessments.