Experimental Installation for Radioecology Research on Defined Ecosystems Subjected to Contamination in Controlled Conditions

• Published in: Nuclear science and engineering 1999-10, Vol.133 (2), p.178-191
• Main Authors: Madoz-Escande, C., Bréchignac, F., Colle, C., Dubois, E., Hugon, J., Jouglet, H., Moutier, M., Rongier, P., Sanchez, A., Schulte, E. H., Zanon, R.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; CONTAMINATION; ECOSYSTEMS; Energy; Energy. Thermal use of fuels; ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES; Exact sciences and technology; Fission nuclear power plants; Installations for energy generation and conversion: thermal and electrical energy; NUCLEAR POWER REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS; NUCLEAR REACTOR TECHNOLOGY; PWR TYPE REACTORS; RADIOACTIVE AEROSOLS; REACTOR ACCIDENTS; RESEARCH PROGRAMS; TEST FACILITIES
• ISSN: 0029-5639; 1943-748X
• DOI: 10.13182/NSE99-A2080

A dedicated experimental facility has been constructed to simulate, in controlled conditions, the contamination by multielement aerosols of various agro-ecosystems typical of Europe. Large monoliths of undisturbed soils (12 t each) have been sampled throughout Europe; the extraction method used in order not to destroy the pedological zones is described. These monoliths are installed in the facility greenhouses under computer-driven climatic and hydric conditions, which mimic those of their origin. A critical comparison of the climatic values in the greenhouse and in the original sites is done. Contamination of the lysimeters is performed with a specific furnace capable of generating radioactive and stable aerosols. The general characteristic aerosols are determined. They are representative of those that would be released in the case of a severe accident in a pressurized water reactor with core fusion (2950°C).