Determination of the source location of anthropogenic radionuclides collected in Finland and Sweden in June 2020 using a multi-technology analysis

In June 2020, observations of anthropogenic radionuclides in Estonia, Finland, and Sweden that were not related to any acknowledged environmental release led to a comprehensive investigation on the source and cause of the unusual emissions. Several of the observed radionuclides were on the list of C...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of environmental radioactivity 2024-09, Vol.278, p.107508, Article 107508
Main Authors: Hoffman, Ian, Mekarski, P., Botti, A., Yi, J., Malo, A., Cochrane, C., Khotylev, V., Kastlander, J., Axelsson, A., Ringbom, A., Moring, M., Karhunen, T., Mattila, A., Goodwin, M., Davies, A., Ungar, K.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Anthropogenic radionuclides
Atmospheric transport and dispersion models
Coincidence spectroscopy
CTBT
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Summary:In June 2020, observations of anthropogenic radionuclides in Estonia, Finland, and Sweden that were not related to any acknowledged environmental release led to a comprehensive investigation on the source and cause of the unusual emissions. Several of the observed radionuclides were on the list of Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) relevant radionuclides as an indicator of a potential nuclear test, and warranted detailed investigation. While analysis of aerosol samples coupled with Atmospheric Transport and Dispersion Modelling (ATDM) is a standard approach for environmental particulate releases, several new techniques were employed to better characterize the samples that allowed for useful inferences to be made. These inferences were crucial in forming the ultimate hypothesis for determining the facility type and location of the release. •Unattributed anthropogenic radionuclides observed in the Baltic region in 2020.•Coincident spectroscopy and sample characterization help identify source facility.•Combination of tools allows characterizes release to aid with CTBT verification.
ISSN:0265-931X
1879-1700
1879-1700
DOI:10.1016/j.jenvrad.2024.107508