Radiation biology. Radioecology
ISSN: 0869-8031

Archives → 2021 → V. 61. № 3 → pp. 277-285

Article

Dynamics and Current State of Radioecological Situation on the Territory of the Chernobyl Radioactive Trace in the Bryansk Region

A. A. Buryakova, N. N. Pavlova, I. I. Kryshev, M. N. Katkova

Research and Production Association “Typhoon”, Obninsk, Russia

Abstract

The analysis of the current radioecological situation of the territory in the Bryansk region polluted as a result of the Chernobyl accident is carried out on the basis of calculating the radiation dose rate for reference orga-nisms of terrestrial biota. The initial data for the assessment were observational data (May–December 1986–2020) on the density of soil contamination in the areas of the Bryansk region located within the boundaries of various zones of radioactive contamination. The elk (Alces alces), the bank vole (Myodes glareolus), the Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) and the earthworm (Lumbricus terrestris) were selected as reference organisms of the terrestrial biota. The total radiation dose rate for the biota objects was determined in accordance with the recommendations of ICRP and Roshydromet R 52.18.820–2015. 137Cs was taken into account as the main dose-forming radionuclide. The contribution of 90Sr to the radiation dose rate was insignificant (0.1–4.9%). In order to analyze the radiation safety of biota objects, the condition of not exceeding the environmentally safe level for the integral indicator of soil pollution (IIP) of the districts in the Bryansk region was checked. According to modern monitoring data for all districts of this region in the territory of the Chernobyl radioactive trace, the IIP of soil is significantly lower than the environmentally safe level, with the exception of exclusion zones. The maximum radiation doses for biota were determined for the elk living in the vicinity of Zaborye village in Krasnogorsk district in 2020. According to a conservative estimate, a high dose load on biota exceeding the safe radiation level for elk and bank vole was observed in 1986 in the Novozybkovsky district. At present, the radiation dose rate for reference biota organisms in the polluted areas of the region is an order of magnitude lower than the safe radiation level, with the exception of exclusion zone. In the future, it is recommended to continue conducting radioecological studies of territories and monitoring the radiation situation in the most polluted areas of the Bryansk region. It is also necessary to organize a radioecological reserve in the exclusion zones to carry out regular observations and improve the system of radiation protection of the environment.

Keywords

Radioecological situation, bryansk region, long-term dinamics, Chernobyl accident, radioactive trace, exclusion zone, biota, reference organisms, dose, integral indicator of pollution (IIP)