Characteristics of Chernobyl-derived radionuclides in particulate form in surface waters in the exclusion zone around the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant

The distribution of Chernobyl-derived radionuclides in river and lake water bodies at 6-40 km from the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant was studied. Curr ent levels of radionuclides (Cesium-137, Strontium-90, Plutonium, Americium and Curium isotopes) in water bodies and their relation to the ground cont amination are presented. The investigation of the radionuclide composition of aqueous and ground contamination revealed that radionuclides on suspende d solids (particulate form) originate mainly from the erosion of the contam inated surface soil layer in the zone. Apparent distribution ratios between particulate and dissolved forms are compared to known distribution coeffic ients. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.