Development of a new methodology for the control of tritium emissions into the atmosphere and assessment of their impact on biological objects

Biophysics and medical physics
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Abstract:

The necessity of research of tritium content in emissions produced by nuclear power plants is sustained. The imperfection of the classical method for the determination of tritium in a sample by the presence of β-radiation in the  research of water, soil and products is determined. The methodology of measurements is presented. To realize the proposed method, measurements of radiation power from three types of particles (α, β and γ) are carried out.  Repeated measurements are carried out at a small distance from the sample at a more distant distance the exposure dose from γ-radiation was measured. The results of the research of tritium impact on the population in the  Leningrad Region (Russian Federation), which lives in areas up to 50–60 km away from the Leningrad Nuclear Power Plant, are presented. Annual emissions and volumetric activity in air of tritium at the Leningrad Nuclear Power  Plant are presented. Data on annual radiation dose from tritium emissions are given. Negative consequences of tritium influence on human organism are highlighted. The drawbacks of the existing monitoring system are identified.