JAEA-NNC RK workshop on current radioecology problems

Between November 1 and 3, 2017 the branch “Institute of Radiation Safety and Ecology” RSE NNC RK arranged a workshop involving specialist from the Japan Atomic Energy Agency and the National Nuclear Center of the Republic of Kazakhstan on current radioecology problems. The first day of the workshop started with the meeting between Japanese delegation specialists, the management of the National Nuclear Center and the management of the Institute of Radiation Safety and Ecology. Next, the day was dedicated to excursions to the STS museum, the museum of the National Nuclear Center, around buildings and laboratories of the Institute in order to familiarize with the main experimental techniques as well as tours to the “Experimental Field” to be introduced to field methods of work and a pilot site “Farm enterprise”. The second day of the event began with opening remarks and a report “Concerning the current situation at Semipalatinsk Test Site” made by Sergei Lukashenko, Deputy Director General for Radioecology – head of the branch IRSE. As part of the scientific program of the conference, there were 11 reports presented. Fukushima Environment Safety Center’s employees presented their reports on natural mobilization of cesium in the environment, its migration in forest systems and radiocesium behavior in the aquatic system near the “Fukushima Daiichi” NPP as well as calculation models for remediating Fukushima territory. Branch staff members presented reports on their experience in application of the field gamma-spectrometry for mapping territories exposed to radioactive contamination, main findings of artificial radionuclides transfer to plants and animal products at Semipalatinsk Test Site and adjacent territories, migration of artificial radionuclides with ground and surface water at STS. The day was summarized by discussing reports in which guests noted the importance of collaboration through information exchange in radiation exposure after a nuclear accident at Fukushima Daiichi plant and Semipalatinsk Test Site. The final day of the workshop was also dedicated to a fact-finding tour to the “Atomic Lake” and “Degelen” testing area. That visit gave an excellent opportunity for discussing issues on potential cooperation in prospect as well as discussing the current status of the joint project being implemented.