Researchers from Novosibirsk State University, in collaboration with counterparts from Ural Federal University and the Institute of Industrial Ecology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, have employed accelerator mass spectrometry for the first time to scrutinize the ramifications of nuclear power plants (NPPs) on atmospheric radiocarbon levels.
The investigation was conducted in the vicinity of the Beloyarsk and Kursk NPPs. Examination of thirty samples gathered by specialists unveiled a notable escalation in the level of the radioactive isotope C14, exceeding background levels several-fold.
As per the scientists, starting from the 2000s, the concentration of C14 in annual tree rings has been gradually dwindling and scarcely surpassed background levels. This trend could be attributed to advancements in equipment and the widespread adoption of burn-up reactors at NPPs.
The researchers juxtaposed the isotope content in wood samples from NPP regions with data on the background radiocarbon activity in the annual rings of a 113-year-old pine tree situated in the Novosibirsk Academgorodok, a considerable distance from nuclear installations.
The specialists ascertained that radiocarbon had a negligible impact on the environment notwithstanding the intensive operation of nuclear power plants.
The authors of the study evaluated the impact of C14 at “critical points,” where human presence is minimal. They concluded that the elevation in radiocarbon levels does not have adverse effects on human health.
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