New results of radioactivity studies on bottom sediment samples of the Novaya Zemlya Depression of the Kara Sea

Abstract

Object and purpose of research. This paper studies bottom sediment samples taken at nuclear waste disposal sites of the Novaya Zemlya Depression (the Kara Sea). The purpose of this study was to measure specific activity distribution of bottom sediments depth-wise, to identify dumped objects causing radioactive contamination of marine environment. Materials and methods. Specific activity of bottom sediments was measured as per gamma-spectrometric method. The samples were prepared in advance and taken by a special sampler. Main results. This study gives new data on contamination of the bottom sediments at Novaya Zemlya Depression with 60Со gamma-emitting isotope. Conclusion. Presence of 60Co in bottom sediments clearly indicates to radioactive leakages from dumped objects near the site of sampling. For exact identification of these dumped objects, it is necessary to perform further monitoring of this water area and to explore it in details.

Keywords

• radioecology
• radioactive contamination
• bottom sediments
• specific activity
• spectrometry of gamma-emission
• man-made radionuclides