Journal of environmental radioactivity最新文献

{"title":"Comparison of neutron activation analysis and passive counting for environmental radioactivity measurements","authors":"Nicholas Kaitschuck,&nbsp;JohnPeter Bekker,&nbsp;Derek Haas,&nbsp;Sheldon Landsberger","doi":"10.1016/j.jenvrad.2025.107766","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jenvrad.2025.107766","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Neutron activation analysis is not usually known used for environmental radioactivity measurements as compared to low-level passive gamma-ray counting. Texas local background samples were taken as part of a study to compare neutron activation versus passive counting. The benefits and drawbacks of each method are explored for soil samples which are in secular equilibrium, including gamma-ray self-attenuation, sample size and counting times.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15667,"journal":{"name":"Journal of environmental radioactivity","volume":"289 ","pages":"Article 107766"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144695349","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Assessment of the cesium-137 concentration in algae-grazing ayu Plecoglossus altivelis collected from Tomioka River in Fukushima, Japan","authors":"Takami Morita ,&nbsp;Toshihiro Wada ,&nbsp;Tsutomu Kanasashi ,&nbsp;Hyoe Takata","doi":"10.1016/j.jenvrad.2025.107759","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jenvrad.2025.107759","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Large amounts of the cesium-137 (¹³⁷Cs) released into the atmosphere during the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant accident in March 2011 had deposited on land, especially in Fukushima Prefecture. The long-term persistent ¹³⁷Cs contamination of freshwater fish has resulted in fishing activities being restricted or suspended in some rivers and lakes, mainly in the central to eastern areas of Fukushima Prefecture. The ayu <em>Plecoglossus altivelis</em>, an important inland resource in Japan, is one of the species for which fishing activities are suspended. This fish feeds on periphytic algae attached to riverbed stones, ingesting fine sediments along with the algae. Although whole-body monitoring of ayu has been conducted, whether they contain the ¹³⁷Cs concentration that allows the resumption of fishing activities is difficult to ascertain because the ¹³⁷Cs in fine sediments affects the concentration in the whole fish body. Therefore, in this study, substances (refractory portion) affecting the whole-body ¹³⁷Cs concentration were removed to gain an accurate assessment of the actual concentration. We measured the ¹³⁷Cs concentrations in the muscle, head, and internal organs of ayu individuals collected from Tomioka River in Fukushima in May and October 2022 and reconstructed the whole-body ¹³⁷Cs concentration from those measurements. Through H₂O₂–HNO₃ digestion of the fish and microalgae, we also measured the ¹³⁷Cs concentrations in the refractory portions that affect the whole-body measurement. The percentages of non-digested fish with whole-body ¹³⁷Cs concentrations exceeding the Japanese regulatory limit were 18.0 % in May and 50.0 % in October. By contrast, when the refractory portions were removed, none of the specimens showed whole-body ¹³⁷Cs concentrations that exceeded the limit. These findings suggest that the procedure for monitoring ¹³⁷Cs in ayu should be reviewed.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15667,"journal":{"name":"Journal of environmental radioactivity","volume":"289 ","pages":"Article 107759"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144686302","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Deep geological repositories — A review of design concepts, near-field evolution, and their implications for nuclear waste containment","authors":"Ogugua P. Unokiwedi ,&nbsp;Jiachen Gao ,&nbsp;Tristan Bethune ,&nbsp;Adedapo N. Awolayo","doi":"10.1016/j.jenvrad.2025.107750","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jenvrad.2025.107750","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Effective nuclear waste disposal is crucial for strengthening public confidence in nuclear energy as a cornerstone of sustainable, large-scale, carbon-neutral energy generation. Deep geological repositories (DGRs) provide the most viable long-term solution, employing a multi-barrier isolation system that inhibits radionuclide release and migration through a combination of engineered and natural barriers. While extensive research has focused on radionuclide transport mechanisms and the influence of geochemical interactions within host rock formations, a comprehensive understanding of the near-field environment, its physicochemical evolution, and its implications for repository design and nuclear waste management decisions remains underexplored. This review critically examines DGR concepts, near-field components, and processes, with a particular focus on canister-bentonite interactions, corrosion evolution, bentonite self-sealing mechanisms, and hydrogen gas generation. A critical assessment of experimental, numerical, and full-scale studies, highlights the complexities of coupled thermal, hydraulic, mechanical, and chemical (THMC) processes that govern repository evolution. Key challenges include scaling laboratory findings to field-scale repository conditions, integrating microbial and radiation-driven interactions, and refining long-term predictive models for corrosion and radionuclide migration. Addressing these gaps is critical for advancing repository safety assessments, optimizing engineered barrier systems, and ensuring the long-term stability of nuclear waste disposal strategies. These insights are expected to contribute to the ongoing development of robust and globally implementable waste management solutions, reinforcing nuclear energy’s role in climate change mitigation and the transition to a net-zero carbon economy.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15667,"journal":{"name":"Journal of environmental radioactivity","volume":"289 ","pages":"Article 107750"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144679380","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Corrigendum to “Integrated radiation air dose rate maps over the 80 km radius of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant and the entire Fukushima Prefecture during 2011–2022” [J. Environ. Radioactiv. 280 (2024) 107554]","authors":"Kazuyuki Sakuma ,&nbsp;Hiroshi Kurikami ,&nbsp;Haruko Wainwright ,&nbsp;Soichiro Tanimori ,&nbsp;Fumiya Nagao ,&nbsp;Kotaro Ochi ,&nbsp;Yukihisa Sanada ,&nbsp;Kimiaki Saito","doi":"10.1016/j.jenvrad.2025.107763","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jenvrad.2025.107763","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":15667,"journal":{"name":"Journal of environmental radioactivity","volume":"289 ","pages":"Article 107763"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-07-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144642723","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Indian Network for Detecting Radon Anomaly signal for Seismic Application","authors":"B.K. Sahoo ,&nbsp;Arshad Khan ,&nbsp;M.P. Ratheesh ,&nbsp;D.H. Kumbhar ,&nbsp;J.J. Gaware ,&nbsp;S.D. Kanse ,&nbsp;T.K. Agarwal ,&nbsp;B.K. Sapra","doi":"10.1016/j.jenvrad.2025.107761","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jenvrad.2025.107761","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The Indian Network for Detecting Radon Anomaly Signal for Seismic Application (INDRA-SA) has been established to investigate ground radon exhalation as a potential earthquake precursor in the Indian subcontinent. As part of this initiative, up to 100 BhaROSA (Bhabha Radon Observatory for Seismic Application) systems have been deployed near active fault lines across the Indian Tectonic Plate. Each self-sustaining, solar-powered BhaROSA unit is equipped with a radon accumulator, a continuous radon monitor, environmental shielding, battery backup, and secure data transmission via 3G/4G GPRS on a Virtual Private Network. Site selection focused on regions with significant seismicity, particularly the Himalayan fault system and faults in the Eastern and Western Ghats. Data from each station is transmitted every 15 min to a central server, which also integrates earthquake event data from national and international agencies. At the central station, post-processing filters out meteorological noise (e.g., diurnal cycles, rainfall, low pressure) to isolate potential precursory radon anomalies. Analysis of data from notable earthquakes in the study region revealed persistent radon anomalies occurring days to months before major events. Rare radon signals preceding rare seismic events in low-activity zones further support a strong correlation. The INDRA network provides valuable insights into the spatial and temporal responses of radon signal prior and post seismic events to enhance our understanding of the complex processes involved in earthquake nucleation along fault lines. This initiative is a significant step towards advancing earthquake predictability— a longstanding and unresolved challenge for humanity.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15667,"journal":{"name":"Journal of environmental radioactivity","volume":"289 ","pages":"Article 107761"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144596453","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Study on the real-time radon release pattern of granite under temperature-pressure coupling","authors":"Penghua Hu ,&nbsp;Yuan Xin ,&nbsp;Peng Ji ,&nbsp;Yuhang Gan ,&nbsp;Pingye Guo","doi":"10.1016/j.jenvrad.2025.107762","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jenvrad.2025.107762","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Uranium ore, as an important energy mineral, is accompanied by the release of radioactive gas, radon, during the mining process. In order to study the release law of radon gas and its daughters inside granite under the state of temperature-pressure coupling in the deep stratum, the experiment uses uniaxial compression experiments under different temperature gradients (25 °C, 50 °C, 75 °C, 100 °C, 150 °C, 200 °C, 250 °C, and 300 °C) and real-time monitoring of radon release changes, to explore the effect of different temperatures on the behavior of radon release inside granite. The experimental results show that: with the increase of strain, the radon release of granite as a whole shows the trend of increasing, then decreasing, and then increasing again, and reaches the peak in the unstable propagation stage of cracks. The radon exhalation decreases by 28.45 % in the stage of compression and densification at 100–150 °C, and increases by 29.33 % in the stage of expansion of cracks at 150–200 °C. The temperature-pressure coupling effect significantly affects the radon release behavior of granite, and the high temperature. The temperature-pressure coupling significantly affects the radon release behavior of granite, with high temperatures leading to a decrease in the mechanical properties of granite and accelerating the evaporation of water between mineral crystals and within the crystals and the thermal expansion of minerals, which in turn promotes the release of radon gas; in addition, the generation of thermal damages and microcracks provides new channels for radon gas migration. This study provides an important basis for the in-depth understanding of the radon release law of granite under temperature-pressure coupling conditions and the formulation of scientific prevention and control strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15667,"journal":{"name":"Journal of environmental radioactivity","volume":"289 ","pages":"Article 107762"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144587666","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Parameter uncertainty analysis of the committed equivalent dose coefficients from inhalation of radon progeny in underground uranium mines","authors":"Thomas Makumbi ,&nbsp;Bastian Breustedt ,&nbsp;Wolfgang Raskob ,&nbsp;Sadeeb Simon Ottenburger","doi":"10.1016/j.jenvrad.2025.107751","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jenvrad.2025.107751","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study evaluates the uncertainties in committed equivalent dose coefficients from inhalation of radon progeny in underground uranium mines. The work focuses on two exposure scenarios: wet drilling with good ventilation (Job 1) and dry drilling with poor ventilation (Job 4). The use of Monte Carlo simulations informed by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) latest biokinetic models and parameter probability distributions obtained from published literature, revealed that Job 4 conditions yield higher lung dose coefficients than Job 1, despite both scenarios exhibiting similar uncertainty levels. The committed equivalent lung dose coefficients followed lognormal distributions, with geometric means of 61.87 mSv/(mJh/m³) and geometric standard deviation of 1.56 for Job 4 and 47.05 mSv/(mJh/m³) and geometric standard deviation of 1.58 for Job 1. The alveolar-interstitial region showed the greatest uncertainty, while the bronchial secretory cells received the highest doses. Among systemic organs, the kidneys received the largest dose. Statistical tests confirmed significant differences between the two job types. Sensitivity analysis identified tidal volume as main contributor to committed equivalent lung dose coefficient uncertainty. These findings support revising model parameters and improving breathing parameter measurements to enhance dose accuracy. The study emphasizes the necessity for enhanced ventilation, stricter air quality standards, and advanced personal protective equipment to mitigate health risks in radon-prone mining environments.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15667,"journal":{"name":"Journal of environmental radioactivity","volume":"289 ","pages":"Article 107751"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144563734","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Dynamic variation characteristics of 222Rn in typical karst cave systems in south China and their influencing factors","authors":"Wei Tang ,&nbsp;Jian-Jun Yin ,&nbsp;Gaoyong Lan ,&nbsp;Hui Yang ,&nbsp;Xia Wu","doi":"10.1016/j.jenvrad.2025.107748","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jenvrad.2025.107748","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Radon (²²²Rn) gas is a natural tracer for air exchange between cave atmospheres and external environments. Investigating the spatiotemporal variation characteristics and controlling factors of its activity is crucial for revealing seasonal cycles and short-term fluctuation mechanisms of cave air exchange. Based on three years of continuous monitoring (from January 2018 to December 2020) of atmospheric ²²²Rn in Maomaotou Big Cave, Guilin, South China, this study systematically analyzes the spatiotemporal patterns and driving mechanisms of ²²²Rn activity concentrations. The cave exhibits two distinct seasonal gas circulation patterns: a degassing circulation mode in winter and spring and a gas recharge circulation mode in summer and autumn. Seasonal variations of ²²²Rn are primarily controlled by ventilation effects driven by temperature gradients between the cave interior and exterior. When external temperatures exceed cave temperatures, atmospheric stagnation promotes ²²²Rn accumulation; conversely, ventilation-induced dilution occurs when external temperatures drop below cave temperatures. Additionally, atmospheric precipitation significantly influences ²²²Rn activity concentrations, showing an inverse relationship where higher rainfall corresponds to lower ²²²Rn activity concentrations and vice versa. This phenomenon correlates with rainfall-induced soil moisture variations that regulate radon exhalation rates and subsequent diffusion processes. Furthermore, ²²²Rn activity concentrations also depend on the distribution of its parent radionuclide ²²⁶Ra in overlying soils and soil moisture content, which influences the radon dissolution and transport to the cave by dripwater. Through multifactorial analysis, this study elucidates synergistic mechanisms involving temperature gradients, precipitation, soil properties, and air exchange in regulating ²²²Rn dynamics. The findings provide critical scientific insights into cave gas dynamics and environmental effects, enhancing the understanding of subterranean air circulation patterns while offering theoretical support for cave environmental monitoring and health risk assessment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15667,"journal":{"name":"Journal of environmental radioactivity","volume":"289 ","pages":"Article 107748"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144548930","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Numerical simulation study on radon migration in roadway surrounding rock under heat- moisture -force coupling","authors":"Yongjun Ye ,&nbsp;Yufei Hong ,&nbsp;Shanwei Shang ,&nbsp;Xuanli Yao","doi":"10.1016/j.jenvrad.2025.107747","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jenvrad.2025.107747","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>With the increasing demand for uranium resource development and the gradual deepening of mining, radon pollution has become a significant issue in underground mines. This study aims to investigate the effects of temperature, humidity, ventilation pressure, and rock stress on radon migration in roadway surrounding rocks using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) combined with a heat-moisture-force coupling model. The results show that the pressure difference on the roadway wall is positively correlated with the radon exhalation rate, while an increase in inlet air speed leads to a decrease in the exhalation rate. Among environmental factors, temperature exhibits a more pronounced impact on radon exhalation rate compared to humidity, especially due to stress and temperature changes after roadway excavation. The study also reveals that deepening the roadway and increasing surrounding rock temperature and stress further enhance radon exhalation. These findings highlight the critical role of ventilation and environmental factors in controlling radon concentrations in underground spaces, providing a theoretical foundation for future research on radon migration in deep underground environments.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15667,"journal":{"name":"Journal of environmental radioactivity","volume":"289 ","pages":"Article 107747"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144563733","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Application of RESRAD-OFFSITE code for coastal nuclear facility decommissioning: marine exposure pathway analysis","authors":"K. Misumi ,&nbsp;T. Koyama ,&nbsp;T. Kato ,&nbsp;S. Kanagawa ,&nbsp;D. Tsumune ,&nbsp;T. Tsubono","doi":"10.1016/j.jenvrad.2025.107746","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jenvrad.2025.107746","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>RESRAD-OFFSITE is a widely used radiation dose assessment code for deriving cleanup criteria and evaluating site release conditions when a nuclear facility is being decommissioned. Its application to coastal nuclear facilities is problematic because it does not consider ingestion of marine products. This study proposes a way to modify RESRAD-OFFSITE so that it can be applied to coastal facilities. We introduce a new parameter, the Seawater Exchange Rate, to quantify the effect of dilution of radioactive materials in the marine environments. We used a three-dimensional ocean model to simulate an idealized coastal area and calculated the Seawater Exchange Rate. We incorporated the obtained Seawater Exchange Rate into RESRAD-OFFSITE's lake submodel (surface water body submodel) and confirmed its validity. Calculations we made at a model site revealed that consideration of dilution via seawater exchange reduced the radiation dose associated with ingestion of marine products. Although this methodology effectively incorporates pathways involving ingestion of marine products using RESRAD-OFFSITE's existing capabilities, implementation of a marine submodel with a Seawater Exchange Rate as a parameter would streamline its practical application.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15667,"journal":{"name":"Journal of environmental radioactivity","volume":"289 ","pages":"Article 107746"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144523948","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}