Ядерна фізика та енергетика Nuclear Physics and Atomic Energy   ISSN: 1818-331X (Print), 2074-0565 (Online)   Publisher: Institute for Nuclear Research of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine   Languages: Ukrainian, English   Periodicity: 4 times per year   Open access peer reviewed journal

Full text (ua)

O. V. Svarychevska, I. O. Pavlenko^*, I. A. Maliuk, O. V. Sviatun, S. V. Teletska

Institute for Nuclear Research, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine

^*Corresponding author. E-mail address: ipavlenko2008@ukr.net

Abstract: This paper presents the results of the analysis of data obtained during routine radiation monitoring in the area of the WWR-M research nuclear reactor (RNR) of the Institute for Nuclear Research (INR) of the NAS of Ukraine for 2021-2024. Since the commissioning of the RNR, a systematic analysis of the dynamics of the levels of total β-activity of settling dust and atmospheric precipitation, discharge water from the INR of the NAS of Ukraine collectors, the concentration of β-active aerosols in the surface air layer, and the content of major radionuclides of technogenic origin (primarily ¹³⁷Cs) in soil and vegetation samples has been carried out. Measurements of the ambient dose equivalent of γ radiation at control points are also being carried out. Long-term studies were carried out in the laboratory of the Center for Ecological Problems of Atomic Energetics (CEPAE) of the INR of the NAS of Ukraine, which allowed to accumulate the significant material for analysis of the radiation situation in the area of RNR disposition. It was shown that there is no man-made radioactive pollution of the environment. Over the years of radiation monitoring, the indicators of radiation pollution of the environment in the sanitary protection zone and the observation zone did not exceed the values of the natural background. It is extremely important that an integral stage of the life cycle of RNR is its decommissioning (DR), during which a set of technical measures is consistently carried out, and aimed at stopping any activity related to the functional appointment of the reactor and its transformation into an environmentally safe facility. In this case, a number of additional radiation monitoring tasks may arise, which purpose is to minimize risks during work with DR.

Keywords: radiation monitoring, research nuclear reactor, man-made radionuclides, environment.

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