An unknown source of reactor radionuclides in the Baltic Sea revealed by multi-isotope fingerprints

Jixin Qiao (), Haitao Zhang, Peter Steier, Karin Hain, Xiaolin Hou, Vesa-Pekka Vartti, Gideon M. Henderson, Mats Eriksson, Ala Aldahan, Göran Possnert and Robin Golser
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Jixin Qiao: Technical University of Denmark, DTU Risø Campus
Haitao Zhang: Technical University of Denmark, DTU Risø Campus
Peter Steier: University of Vienna
Karin Hain: University of Vienna
Xiaolin Hou: Technical University of Denmark, DTU Risø Campus
Vesa-Pekka Vartti: Environmental Radiation Surveillance, Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority
Gideon M. Henderson: University of Oxford
Mats Eriksson: Linköping University
Ala Aldahan: United Arab Emirates University
Göran Possnert: Uppsala University
Robin Golser: University of Vienna

Nature Communications, 2021, vol. 12, issue 1, 1-10

Abstract: Abstract We present an application of multi-isotopic fingerprints (i.e., 236U/238U, 233U/236U, 236U/129I and 129I/127I) for the discovery of previously unrecognized sources of anthropogenic radioactivity. Our data indicate a source of reactor 236U in the Baltic Sea in addition to inputs from the two European reprocessing plants and global fallout. This additional reactor 236U may come from unreported discharges from Swedish nuclear research facilities as supported by high 236U levels in sediment nearby Studsvik, or from accidental leakages of spent nuclear fuel disposed on the Baltic seafloor, either reported or unreported. Such leakages would indicate problems with the radiological safety of seafloor disposal, and may be accompanied by releases of other radionuclides. The results demonstrate the high sensitivity of multi-isotopic tracer systems, especially the 233U/236U signature, to distinguish environmental emissions of unrevealed radioactive releases for nuclear safeguards, emergency preparedness and environmental tracer studies.

Date: 2021
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-21059-w

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