Concentration of 7Be, 210Pb, 40K, 137Cs, 134Cs radionuclides in the ground layer of the atmosphere in the polar (Hornsund, Spitsbergen) and mid-latitudes (Otwock-Świder, Poland) regions

• Published in: Journal of environmental radioactivity 2021-12, Vol.240, p.106739-106739, Article 106739
• Main Authors: Burakowska, Agnieszka, Kubicki, Marek, Mysłek-Laurikainen, Bogumiła, Piotrowski, Michał, Trzaskowska, Halina, Sosnowiec, Renata
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: 137Cs and 134Cs activity concentrations; 210Pb; 40K; 7Be; Air radionuclides; Gamma spectrometry; Seasonal variations
• ISSN: 0265-931X; 1879-1700
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2021.106739

This paper presents results of measurements of selected gamma-radioactive radionuclide concentrations (7Be, 210Pb, 40K, 137Cs, 134Cs) in atmospheric aerosols registered in 2002–2017 at the Polish Polar Station of the Institute of Geophysics Polish Academy of Science in Hornsund and in the S. Kalinowski's Geophysical Observatory Institute of Geophysics Polish Academy of Science in Świder. The above measurements and tests are used to control and track long-term concentrations of radionuclides depending on the geometeorological conditions prevailing in the vicinity of the station. Collecting radiological data from polar regions and comparing them with data from medium latitudes leads to a better understanding of the mechanisms of creation and propagation of radionuclides in the air. Hornsund station is one of the northernmost measuring site for continuous airborne radionuclide monitoring in the Spitsbergen archipelago. It also allows the analysis of the relationship of radionuclides to the Earth's magnetic field. •Research shows differences in the seasonal concentration of 7Be and 210Pb at the air stations in mid-latitudes and polar regions.•The data indicates a variable range of 7Be and 210Pb radioactivity that is greater at medium latitudes compared to regions at higher latitudes.•Long-term data analysis confirms the relationship between the 7Be concentration and the solar activity cycle.•A significant increase in the content of 137Cs and the appearance of 134Cs is associated with the Fukushima nuclear power plant disaster.