Radioecological monitoring of the aquatic environment

One way to control the content of the content of radionuclides in water – radioecological monitoring of aquatic medium. The most important and integral part of the monitoring is to determine local ‘background’ concentrations of radionuclides. Comparison of radiation measurements with determinations of background values allows to establish adverse tendencies in changes of environmental quality, predict the development of these changes and, if necessary, come up with respective managerial solutions aimed at reducing the adverse impact on the environment.

This research has been undertaken by Institute of Radiation Safety and Ecology NNC RK since 2018.

Earlier research into the Irtysh riv., Bukhtarma riv., Ulba riv., Shar riv., Ayagoz riv. as well as Bukhtarma and Shulbinsk reservoirs and Zaisan lake showed that data obtained on background concentrations of naturally occurring and artificial radionuclides in water of the East-Kazakhstan region is within limits for continental water, which is 2-4 orders of magnitude lower than the intervention level as per Health Standards establsihed for the Republic of Kazakhstan.

In July of 2020, activities continue at Markakol and Dubygalinskoye lakes. During a field visit, water and bottom sediments were sampled to determine the chemical, radionuclide and ultimate composition.

Маркаколь

Маркаколь отбор проб_2

Маркаколь отбор проб

Маркаколь 2

Дубыгалинское

Дубыгалинское 2