Numerical modelling of the transport and impact of137Cs and131I on the Meuse-Campine Canals after a potential nuclear accident.

Abstract

The Meuse River in Belgium can be impacted by the two nuclear power plants (Tihange and Chooz) located on its banks. Nuclear disasters such as the Fukushima and Chernobyl accidents have illustrated the risks associated with the civilian nuclear industry. In such situations, predictive models become crucial for developing environmental strategies to minimize the potential impact. In this study, we use the SLIM model to simulate the transport of¹³⁷Cs and¹³¹I in the Meuse River system in Belgium. Several hypothetical accidental scenarios are considered for the radionuclide releases based on past nuclear accidents. The simulated radioactive distributions are then used to estimate the individual dose for drinking water. The radionuclide transport in the Meuse River is within days. While the higher peak concentration in the Meuse River results in higher individual dose. The Albert canal being the largest channel among the Campine canals; therefore, the radioactive plume stays over a month. The estimated individual doses for releases from Chooz Nuclear power plant near Tailfer reached 0.2 mSv within three days. Although it takes days, the doses in the Albert Canal reach values up to 0.46 mSv at Haccourt (hypothetical locations). The water extraction points in Herentals, located downstream of the canal, has a negligible individual dose estimation. Higher doses are the consequence of¹³¹I than¹³⁷Cs due to the larger release scenario.