Radiation consequences of a hypothetical failure of a dam at the coolant reservoir of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant

Mathematical simulation is used to estimate the possible radiation conseque nces of an accidental failure of the protective dam of the coolant reservoi r at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. The dynamics of the emptying of the reservoir and the escape of radionuclides is calculated. The additional co ntamination of bottom deposits in the Dnepr River, which can be caused by t he accidental escape of radioactive substances from the coolant reservoir, is estimated. The additional dose load to the public is estimated taking ac count of the food chains. A single-step mathematical model, taking account of the contamination of the water and the bottom deposits, is constructed t o study the fish food chain. It is established that for an accidental failure of the protective dam of t he coolant reservoir of the nuclear power plant the dose to public will not exceed 2.5.10(-3) Sv in the first year after the failure. Therefore, the d estruction of the protective dam of the coolant reservoir of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, if it occurs, will not be a radiation accident.