(Prirodnye Resursy)
Published by The National Academy of Sciences of Belarus & The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment Protection of the Republic of Belarus, Minsk, Belarus
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NATURAL RESOURCES (Prirodnye Resursy) Published by The National Academy of Sciences of Belarus & The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment Protection of the Republic of Belarus, Minsk, Belarus |
Summary: The present article gives an analytical review of ecological, social, medical and economic consequences of the Chernobyl accident and reveals their effect on the principal spheres of human activity in contaminated regions and in the country as a whole. It is particularly emphasized that the accident at the Chemobyl nuclear power station is the greatest technical disaster in the world's history of harnessing nuclear power. This accident has greatly affected the territory of Belarus, where the fallout of the radionuclides was the greatest as compared to other European countries, amounting to about 70%. At the same time, the highest levels of radioactive contamination (above 555 kBq/m2) characterize some regions of the Republic forming the area of more than 6.6 thousand km2. In Belarus as a whole, the radioactive contamination as a result of the Chemobyl disaster affected 23% of its territory with 3.6 thousand populated localities including 26 cities and towns with a population about 2.2 mln residents. Consideration is being given as to the consequences and extent of radiological contamination that has affected the major spheres of economic activity closely related to the natural potential of the territory e.g. agriculture, forestry, stability of social and economic development, demographic situation in Belarus. Health of the people that are still living in the contaminated territories is also a problem of great concern considering the fact that the morbidity is growing in all the basic diseases. It is stressed that for a period of 1986 -- 2015 the aggregate economic losses caused by the Chernobyl accident are estimated at 235 bln USD which is equal to 32 yearly budgets of the republic at the level of 1985. This is an important factor that for a long time will be a restraint for social, economic and ecological development of the Republic of Belarus.
Резюме: В статье проводится анализ последствий аварии на Чернобыльской АЭС для территории Беларуси, экономического ущерба и потерь природных ресурсов, обсуждаются проблемы и перспективы Республики Беларусь с точки зрения ее устойчивого развития.
Summary: The Chernobyl accident has negatively affected all the spheres of human vital activities. Enormous damage has been inflicted upon the agricultural sector. More than 1.8 million hectares of arable land, which is 20.8% of the available agricultural area, were polluted with Cs-137, density of contamination exceeding 37 kBc/m2, including 265 thousand hectares with Cs-137 density of contamination over 1480 kBc/m2, for Sr-90 these figures exceed 111, for Pu -- 3.7 kBc/m2 which were excluded from economic turnover. The most complicated task being faced is to organize agricultural production on the areas with Cs-137 content equal to 185-1480 kBc/m2 (420 thousand hectares), 113 thousand hectares are contaminated with Sr-90 with the density 37-111 kBc/m2. In the nearest perspective the self-cleaning of the fertile soil layer due to radionuclides vertical migration is highly unlikely. At the same time, a local secondary contamination is being observed, it is caused by radionuclides horizontal migration in the process of wind and water soil erosion. Cs-137 availability for plants is reducing considerably in the course of time along with the process of its fixation by soil particles. During the period after the accident Cs-137 fixed fraction share has increased in average by more than 2-4 times. For Sr-90, on the contrary, it is characteristic feature that ifs prevailing forms are easily available for plants, they make up 53--87% of the total amount and have the tendency to increase in the course of time. In this connection possible levels of the radionuclides content in raw materials and forages were determined more precisely. Possibility of milk, dairy products and meat production has been considered depending on the levels of soil contamination with radionuclides. The main agricultural task on the contaminated territory is to provide agricultural products with radionuclides content not exceeding the permissible limits. For this purpose, a complex of special protective measures which allow to reduce the radionuclides concentration in agricultural products has been worked out. The main of them are: selection of certain agricultural plants on the basis of specific species and variety qualities, soil cultivation, liming of acid soils, use of fertilizers systems, combined plants protection from vermin, diseases and weeds, water regime regulation. The forecasting of radionuclides content in agricultural crops with account of peculiarities of each field and cattle farm has been made for 11 of the most contaminated districts of the country. Conducted protective measures allowed to reduce the Cs-137 penetration into agricultural products on average by 4 times and the Sr-90 penetration -- by 2 times. At present protective measures are becoming more and more important. Their main aim is to decrease the radionuclides penetration into food products, reduce the net cost and improve the quality of agricultural products. This becomes possible due to the State program of soil protection and support, and fertility increasing.
Резюме: На основании исследований, проведенных в период 1986 -- 1996 гг., осуществляется внедрение научно обоснованных, детально ориентированных контрмер в сельском хозяйстве, направленных на обеспечение получения сельскохозяйственной продукции в соответствии с РДУ-96 для общественного и личного хозяйства. Защитные меры позволили снизить поступление цезия-137 в сельскохозяйственную продукцию в среднем в четыре раза и стронция-90 -- в 2 раза.
Matveenko I.I., Germenchuk M.G.. Zhukova O.M., Shagalova Ye.D., Berlovich S.V., Metso N.A.
Results of the Research of Radioactive Environmental Pollution in Belarus After the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant Accident and Rehabilitation of the Polluted Territories. pp. 30--36
Summary: The article presents the results of the research on radioactive environmental contamination (air, soil and water pollution) after the accident on the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in 1986. The results submitted were received on the basis of a network radioecological monitoring conducted by the Center of the radiation control and environmental monitoring of State Committee on Hydrometeorology of the Republic of Belarus. The information was given by the State Committee on Hydrometeorology, research institutes of the National Academy of Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Forestry, Ministry of Water Reserves, Ministry of Geological Reserves, and other ministries and departments during all the 11 years after the accident. It was stored in electronic data bank, which allowed to create maps of radioactive contamination of the Belarusian territory with the help of modern GIS-techniques, to predict behavior of radionuclides in various types of soils and pollution levels of surface waters in contaminated areas. The accumulated information allows to estimate a potential opportunity of rehabilitation for contaminated territories and prospects of their return into economic turnover.
Резюме: Описана система радиоэкологического мониторинга. Показана динамика изменения радиационного загрязнения трех сред: воздух -- вода -- почва от момента аварии до настоящего времени. Дан анализ радиационной обстановки, обусловленной выпадениями средне- и короткоживущих радионуклидов. Показаны перспективы возвращения в оборот земель, выведенных из сельскохозяйственного использования.
Afanasik G.I., Postyka V.I., Pyatnitsa D.S., Chaikovsky V.V., Shkutov Ye.N.
Rehabilitation of the Cotaminated Remoistened Regions. pp. 37--40
Summary: The evaluation of efficiency of different actions on reducing general radioactive irradiation of the population living on the polluted territory, is given in the article. It is shown that it is possible to reduce radionuclides concentration in herbal provender by 10--20 times and external irradiation by 2 times by introducing hydrotechnical reclamation on re-moistened lands. The reclamation of re-moistened lands in the regions with high share of territory pollution will allow to noticeably enlarge the resources of the ground used for agricultural purposes.
Резюме: Проведены результаты полевые исследования влияния уровня грунтовых вод и глубокой запашки загрязненного слоя на накопление радионуклидов в травяных кормах. Показано, что за счет осушения переувлажненных лугов, глубокой запашки загрязненного верхнего слоя на пониженных элементах рельефа и применения традиционной технологии культуртехнических работ можно снизить загрязненность травяных кормов в 10--20 раз и понизить в 2 раза g-излучение в приповерхностном слое воздуха. Отмечается, что гидромелиорация переувлажненных земель позволит частично решить проблему недостачи сельхозугодий в наиболее загрязненных радионуклидами районах.
Summary: The radiation condition of snow cover (melt water), surface waters, stagnant water bodies and bog lands, drainage systems, groundwater and pore solutions have been studied within contaminated territories of Belarus. Results covering several years work are presented giving the levels of radionuclides (134Cs, 137Cs, 90Sr, 238Pu, 239-240Pu and "hot" particles) in river water, suspended solids and bottom sediments. The estimates of trans-border radionuclide removal with the river runoff suggest that it is of minor importance compared to radioactive decay in the soils. Bog water and pore solutions of bog soils have been studied in high bog ecosystems. High 137Cs concentrations in soil solutions (up to 48 Bq/l), low Kd (average 418±50), as well as close correlation between 137Cs and K+ from interstitial water of highly aerated vegetation -- bog soils have been established. Radiation effects of the mobile 137Cs migration in pore solutions to the groundwater surface have been revealed. Present contamination levels, as well as dynamics of the groundwater radiation conditions have been estimated.
Резюме: Изучено радиационное состояние атмосферных осадков (снеговой покров), поверхностных, болотных и грунтовых вод, а также поровых растворов почвогрунтов. Показаны масштабы выноса радионуклидов в составе речного стока, установлены концентрации 137Сs в поровых растворах, оценены современные уровни радионуклидного загрязнения и сделан прогноз состояния грунтовых вод.
Kovalenko Ye. P.
Regulation of Radionuclides Spread and Accumulation by Small Rivers. pp. 53--55
Summary: Questions concerning radionuclides spread and accumulation by small rivers are discussed. Many areas of Belarus are heavily contaminated with different kinds of radionuclides as a result of the accident on the Chernobyl power plant. When those are located in the basins of small rivers radionuclides can contaminate the rivers in different ways. In particular the radionuclides can be washed out from polluted areas into the rivers together with soil particles that have adsorbed the radionuclides and also heavy metals. A technology and innovative equipment are suggested for such regulation. It is essential that the equipment being offered uses the renewable energy sources.
Резюме: Рассматриваются вопросы, связанные с перемещением и локализацией радионуклидов на загрязненных ими водосборных территориях, а также с регулированием их распространения малыми реками с их твердым стоком. Для решения практических задач в этой области предлагаются технологии и инновационные средства их осуществления.
Vasilchenko G.V., Solovei V.M.
River Sections with an Increased Radiation Danger. pp. 56--58
Summary: The article presents the results of the hydraulic and radiation investigations and of the radiation risk modelling for the rivers in a zone affected by the Chernobyl accident. It was found that, basically, radioactivity in the rivers tends to decrease. But at the same time in some river sections a secondary pollution caused by radioactive isotopes takes place, radiation levels there are 10 times higher. It happens due to river bed erosion and river bottom sediment movement. Radiation risk of different river segments depends on characteristics of riverbed processes. Data on radiation levels in different river sections would reduce radiation risk of economic and recreational activity.
Резюме: Статья содержит результаты оценки радиационной опасности морфологических образований рек, где происходит накопление донных отложений с адсорбированными радионуклидами, и периодический их взмыв с повышением радиационной загрязненности воды в десятки раз.
Biritsky M.I., Yemelyanov F.I., Kovalenko Ye.P.
State and Radioactivity Reduction in the Taken Water of the Contaminated Reservoirs. pp. 59--62
Summary: Water intakes from small reservoirs affected by radioactive contamination after the Chernobyl accident were studied. Field investigation results on the radioactivity state of the polluted water reservoirs and data of the experimental studies are discussed. On the basis of revealed particularities and laboratory modelling, an innovatory technology and a water intake equipment have been worked out for providing water of necessary quality.
Резюме: Объектами исследования являются водозаборы малых водохранилищ, загрязненных радиоактивными веществами после аварии на Чернобыльской АЭС. Рассматриваются результаты натурных обследований состояния радиоактивного загрязнения водохранилищ и выполнены экспериментальные исследования. На основе выявленных особенностей и лабораторного моделирования разработаны инновационная технология и средства забора воды требуемого качества.
Summary: The main trends in number and species diversity of animals in the areas contaminated with radionuclides as a result of Chernobyl nuclear accident are analysed. It is shown that predominate influence over the dynamics and state of the fauna depends mainly on the secondary radioecological factors caused by changes in human pressure. Cessation of economic activity had the greatest effect on the structure and number of ornithocomplexes and populations of commercial game mammals. Changes in aquatic animals are expressed to a smaller extent and follow the laws of natural development to a greater extent. The investigations of Chernobyl consequences have very important significance for the development of the management and conservation of animal biodiversity in the specific landscape conditions.
Резюме: Анализируются основные результаты исследований путей воздействия крупномасштабной радиационной аварии на животных различных систематических и экологических групп.
Bulavik I.M.
Forests Polluted with Radioactive Substances in Belarus. Peculiarities of Contamination and Prospects for their Use. pp. 71--78
Summary: Forest ecosystems are one of the most complicated subjects of scientific inquiry into the behaviour of radionuclides. The reason is that forest ecosystems possess many inherent peculiarities that distinguish them from other nature and vegetation complexes. Due to the lack of adequate methods of reducing the radionuclides input in the forest plants, their concentrations in some forest products, particularly food products, remain high. Fungi have an enhanced accumulation level, they could be divided into four groups. Peculiarities of the 137Cs accumulation by the above-ground free parts are illustrated by the example of a scotch pine which is the main forest forming species in the contaminated areas of Belarus. Big dominant trees with huge crowns exhibit the highest specific activity values. Trees with different stem height and diameter differ in 137Cs accumulation levels. In the past few years the 137Cs contents in edible mushrooms, wild berries and birch sap have become stable. The deviations observed are caused by different meteorological condition during the year. The same phenomenon is observed in the wood of the stands growing on automorphic soils. At the same time there is a further increase of the 137Cs specific activity of the wood of the stands growing on gydromorphic soils.
Резюме: Показаны особенности загрязнения лесных экосистем радиоактивными выбросами при аварии на Чернобыльской АЭС. Приводятся данные по содержанию цезия-137 в элементах древесного полога и основных видах пищевой продукции леса, а также многолетняя динамика коэффициентов перехода цезия-137 в них.
Maksimova S.L., Matveenko A.A., Blinov V.V.
Changes in Soil Invertebrates Complexes of the Pine Forests in a Zone of Weak Radioactive Contamination. pp. 79--81
Summary: A pedobiological research in pine forests of the zone of weak radioactive contamination, Gomel region, have been carried out. The material was collected during the field seasons in 1990 -- 1995 from mid-April to October, by the method of pitfall trapping. The objectives of the study were (1) to study the main trends in the changes of soil invertebrates communities after the Chernobyl accident; (2) to reveal the character and degree of radioactive contamination effect on the trophic groups. The main trends in the dynamics of the soil invertebrates complex in the pine forests were established.
Резюме: Изучена динамика комплексов почвенных беспозвоночных в хвойных лесах, подвергшихся радиоактивному загрязнению в результате аварии на ЧАЭС и изъятых из хозяйственного использования.
Summary: As a result of the Chernobyl NPP accident a series of peat deposits was contaminated with radioactive effluents of various density. According to the degree of contamination these deposits are divided into three groups: 1) - unsuitable for industrial exploitation; 2) - suitable after removal of a deposit's fop layer and storage of the peat in special units for a long period of time; 3) - suitable without any additional preparation. Suitability for exploitation is defined by the radioactivity of the peat and household ash, which is formed after ifs burning. In case the radioactivity of the deposit's top layer exceeds the maximum norms and so does radioactivity of the household ash after it is burnt, deposits is considered suitable for industrial exploitation after the top level removal. The results of our work show that temporary peat fund losses, which include funds that in the nearest 50 -- 60 years cannot be used for industrial exploitation, make up 91147 and 9253 thousand tons for Gomel and Mogilyov regions correspondingly with the current moisture levels.
Резюме: Проведены полевые исследования степени загрязненности торфяных месторождений, расположенных на территории Гомельской и Могилевской областей. На основании полученных данных произведен расчет временных потерь торфяного фонда в результате загрязнения территории радиоактивными выбросами аварии на Чернобыльской АЭС. Предложена градация торфяных месторождений по степени радиоактивного загрязнения: пригодные для промышленной разработки, условно пригодные и непригодные. Расчетами установлено, что по Гомельской и Могилевской областям временные потери торфяного фонда составляют соответственно 91147 и 9253 тыс. т при условной влажности.
Summary: The Chernobyl accident is widely regarded the most serious technical disaster in the history of our planet because of its long-term human, economic and ecological impact. It made a considerable part of Belarusian natural resources unsuitable for economic exploitation because of radioactive contamination. This has become one of the causes of huge economic losses which Belarusian economy suffered. The quantitative estimation of these losses becomes extremely actual in terms of the deficit of certain kinds of raw materials. Economic evaluation of excluding of some deposits, which are located in polluted areas, includes direct and indirect losses caused by contamination of the territory with radionuclides, missed profits, and also additional expenses on liquidation of the Chernobyl accident consequences. Missed profits present the costs of temporary exclusion of certain deposits from industrial exploitation. Additional expenses include the compensation for negative impact of radioactive pollution on population and employees, and the costs of radiation control. It should be noted that present estimation of economic losses is not final, for scientists for the time being do not possess all the necessary information about the economic and ecological consequences of the Chernobyl accident. Nevertheless, this research appears to be rather useful from the point of view of more detailed exposure of the causes of economic losses and additional expenses, of the mechanisms of their present and long-term impact on the natural resources exploitation. It allows to more accurately describe the present ecological situation and optimize management.
Резюме: В статье представлены сведения о месторождениях основных минерально-сырьевых ресурсов страны, расположенных в зоне радиоактивного загрязнения, приведен перечень основных видов ресурсов, полностью или частично исключаемых из хозяйственного использования, рассмотрены составляющие совокупного экономического ущерба, методы их оценки и представлены результаты расчета обшей величины экономического ущерба от радиоактивного загрязнения природных ресурсов на период до 2015 года.
Olodovskii P.P.
Rehabilitation of the Agricultural Lands Contaminated by Radionuclides. pp. 93--101
Summary: A number of recommendations on agricultural use of the lands contaminated with radionuclides were published during the post-Chernobyl time. These recommendations are based on the use of dolomite flour, organic and mineral fertilizers and some other measures. The article shows that these measures are effective only on acid soils, and that use of the increased doses of potash fertilizers for reducing 137Cs accumulation and the increased doses of phosphorous fertilizers for reducing 90Sr accumulation in plants cause the decrease in crop capacity and final product quality. The article analyses the available experience in the use of standard set of nitric, phosphorous and potash fertilizers, including the NH+4 ions, and shows that application of this standard set leads not to the reduction of 137Cs and 90Sr accumulation (as it was stated in some recommendations and articles), but to the sharp increase of the transport of these radionuclides into the agricultural products. This radionuclides accumulation can be explained by the fact, that energy bond of NH+4 ion with the crystal grating of clay mineral soils is bigger than the energy bond of Cs+ and Sr2+ ions. The article provides the experimental data on quicklime and phosphogypsum impact, obtained infield experiments in 1993--1997 and also field experiment data for 1997. These data show that application of mineral fertilizers with the simultaneous impact of quicklime and phosphogypsum inhibits 137Cs and 90Sr transport from soil to plants. This inhibition of radionuclide transport can be explained by the fact that the application of quicklime (calcium oxide) determines the increase of Cs+ and Sr2+ ions energy bond with soil and sharp decrease in NH+ ion energy bond. More intensive transport into plants of phosphorus, cooper, chromium and ammonia under the impact of quicklime determines the additional rise in crop capacity. Summarizing the results of field experiments author comes to a conclusion that dolomite flour (combined with mineral fertilizers) does not decrease the 90Sr concentration in plants. The article points out, that quicklime (calcium oxide) is the unique mews for solving the problem of receiving cleaner agricultural products and better crop capacity. The article provides data on economic efficiency of the recommended meliorant.
Резюме: В статье приведены экспериментальные результаты производственных и полевых опытов и теоретические положения, доказывающие, что использование доломитовой муки, повышенных доз калийных и фосфорных удобрений с целью уменьшения содержания радионуклидов в растениях эффективно только на кислых почвах. Для решения задачи получения экологически чистой сельскохозяйственной продукции на нейтральных почвах необходимо использование негашеной извести и, в качестве дополнительного мелиоранта, -- фосфогипса.
Shcherbackov G.A., Shevtsova N.S.
Radiation Evaluation of the Recreational Suitability of the Dnieper and Pripyats. pp. 102--108
Summary: Ecological impacts of the Chernobyl power plant accident made the problems of recreational and resort economy of the Republic of Belarus more acute from the point of the view of radiation safety for holiday-makers and made it necessary to introduce a system of radioactivity evaluation of water objects and territories, which are used in the process of recreational activity. Water objects especially demand the radioactivity check-up, for river and lake systems prevail as resort areas in our country (26% of 18 recreational areas are associated with lake systems and 50% with the rivers). Recreational suitability of water objects is determined by the radiation safety of 3 natural landscape components: 1) total contents and structure of the radionuclides in the water or watercourse liquid flowing; 2) radioisotope concentration and structure in water or watercourse bottom sediments; 3) total contents of radio-Cs and radio-Sr in soils of the adjacent territories. Medical and biological non-threshold conception makes a theoretical ground for the qualitative and quantitative criteria of the recreational radiation safety of the water. Aquatories are considered safe when their surface water and water deposits Sr-90 and Cs-137 concentration levels do not exceed natural levels estimated before 1986. Pripyats and Dnieper rivers were taken as mode watercourses. Taking into account radio-Cs and radio-Sr seasonal and several years' migration in the "soil -- wafer" and "water -- bottom sediments" systems, the Pripyats and the Dnieper rivers were divided into several zones in accordance with their recreational usage.
Резюме: В статье рассматривается радиационная безопасность Днепра и Припяти в зависимости от типа их рекреационного использования. В качестве теоретической основы для выделения качественно-количественных критериев радиационной безопасности для здоровья отдыхающих на воде признается медико-биологическая беспороговая концепция. Рекреационная пригодность рек Днепр и Припять определяется радиационной безопасностью трех компонентов природного ландшафта: жидкого стока, донных отложений водотока и территорий, прилегающих к водотоку.
Summary: Palesse state radioecological reserve was established in 1988 on the most polluted (1.5-74 MBq/m2 or 40-2000 Ci/km2 and higher) areas of Belarus, in 10- and 30-km sectors around Chernobyl power plant, in three districts between 51° 20' -- 51° 50' of northern latitude and 29° 30' -- 30° 30' of eastern longitude on the area of 2155 km2. The population (22 000 people from 84 settlements) was resettled in May--August of 1986. The natural complexes of PSRR are typical for alluvial plains of moderate zone. The woodness is 45.6%. Semi-hydromorphic and hydromorphic -- mainly drained -- soils occupy near 54% of the total area. The state of intensive carry-over of easy soluble fractions of organic substance, majority of microelements, increased migration activity of radionuclides prevails there. Concentration of a great quantity of long-living radionuclides (in particular, 137Cs -- 1.2 • 1016, 90Sr --1.2 • 1015) on a relatively small territory makes it a unique testing ground for radioecological research, studies of biota reaction in natural conditions (in PSRR there are 1114 species of vascular plants, 44 species of mammals, more than 70 species of birds, 25 fish species etc.). It is shown that 12 years after the accident, the principal part of radioactive cesium is situated in the upper 5th layer of soil in localities with unbroken structure: from 86% on hydromorphic soils to 98% on automorphic soils; in localities with structure broken by digging animals which are prevailing -from 55 to 82% of its content in 20--25 cm layer. According to functional territory zoning, the buffer zone with pollution density up to 1480 kBq/m2 or 40 Ci/m2 is distinguished (a research is being carried out in this zone in order to find directions and develop safe rehabilitation methods for enabling moderate economic use of lands) and a zone with higher pollution (strictly guarded lands). The fields of high pollution (for 137Cs: 7.4-37 MBq/m2 or 200-1000 Ci/km2 for 90Sr -- over 370 kBq/m2 or 10 Ci/km2 for 239Pu, 240Pu -- up to 37 kBq/m2 or 1.0 Ci/km2) are of the greatest scientific interest. PSRR (based in the town of Khojniki, Gomel region) is open for cooperation. Scientific department is functioning as well as bioclimatic station "Masany" there is an experimental base, the reserve includes 16 forestries.
Резюме: Приведена характеристика природных комплексов и уровней начального (1986 -- 1987 гг.) и современного (1997 г.) загрязнения радионуклидами Полесского государственного радиационно-экологического заповедника, включающего Белорусский сектор 10- и 30-километровой зоны вокруг ЧАЭС.
Fandofan S.F.
VIII Session of the International Ecological Council. p. 122
National Seminar on Information and Realization of the UN Convention to Combat Desertificalion. p. 123
Dissertations Assessment. p. 124
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