The study of Canadian Arctic freshwater system toward radioactive contamination - status in 1999. (January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cwanek, Anna; Eriksson, Mats; Holm, Elis
• Is Part Of: Journal of environmental radioactivity. Volume 226(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-01
• Subjects: Lake sediments -- Soils -- Canadian arctic -- Chernobyl fallout -- Pb-210 dating -- Plutonium -- Caesium; Radioactivity -- Periodicals; Radiation, Background -- Periodicals; Radioecology -- Periodicals; Radioactive pollution -- Periodicals; Environmental Pollutants -- Periodicals; Radioactive Pollutants -- Periodicals; Radioactivity -- Periodicals; Radioécologie -- Périodiques; Pollution radioactive -- Périodiques; Fond de rayonnement -- Périodiques; 539.752
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2020.106454
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0265-931X

Abstract

Abstract: This work provides a novel data set on accumulations of both anthropogenic ( 137 Cs, 238 Pu, 239+240 Pu, 241 Am) and natural ( 210 Pb, 226 Ra, 232 Th) radionuclides and an element (K). Sampling of soils and lake sediments was accomplished in 1999 during Tundra Northwest (TNW-99) international expedition to a remote region of the Canadian Arctic. The sediment ages and sedimentation rates were determined. The obtained results overall indicated a high geographical diversity of contamination levels and trends. Accumulation rates were also differential, and a sediment focusing contribution was distinctly visible. Radioactive pollution was found to be lower relative to temperate counterparts. The activity ratios of anthropogenic radionuclides corresponded to global fallout as a prevailing source in the entire examined area. The post-Chernobyl radiocaesium was observed for the westernmost lake only. The elevated level of 137 Cs and 239+240 Pu in the topmost sediment at the northern and eastern Arctic Archipelago was attributed to recent resuspension and subsequent redistribution of radionuclides. Highlights: Comprehensive survey of radioactive pollution of the Canadian Arctic freshwater system. Geographical diversity of contamination and sedimentation in terms of levels and trends. Assessment of sediment focusing contribution. Evidence of post-Chernobyl radiocaesium in southern Banks Island. Occurrence of radionuclide redeposition in the northern and eastern Arctic Archipelago.