An analysis of time-dependence for Chernobyl fallout in Italy

Journal Article · Wed Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1997 · Health Physics

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1097/00004032-199701000-00009· OSTI ID:433047

Salvadori, G; Ratti, S P; Belli, G ^[1]

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1. Universita degli Studi di Pavia (Italy)

We present here an analysis of the airborne radioactivity measured in Italy after the Chernobyl accident. We provide some quality assurance, isolate suspicious data, and devise a mathematical model to aid in interpreting time-dependent fallout data. The model consists of an interpolating function whose parameters can be related to (1) the arrival time of the radioactive cloud; (2) the time of the maximum radioactive concentration; and (3) the decay-rate of airborne radioactivity as the pollutant cloud passes. Multiple arrivals of the radioactive cloud in a given site can also be considered. The parametrization can be used to estimate concentrations of {sup 137}Cs using measurements of {sup 131}I, {sup 103}Ru, or {sup 132}Te. The interpolating function is fitted to the data collected in several Italian Provinces. We feel this model is an useful tool for interpreting time-dependent fallout data. 13 refs., 7 figs., 13 tabs.

• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• OSTI ID: 433047
• Journal Information: Health Physics, Vol. 72, Issue 1; Other Information: PBD: Jan 1997
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
99 MATHEMATICS
COMPUTERS
INFORMATION SCIENCE
MANAGEMENT
LAW
MISCELLANEOUS
CESIUM 137
RADIOECOLOGICAL CONCENTRATION
IODINE 131
RUTHENIUM 102
TELLURIUM 132
AIR
RADIATION MONITORING
DECAY
FALLOUT
ITALY
RADIOACTIVITY
TIME DEPENDENCE
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
CHERNOBYLSK-4 REACTOR
RADIATION ACCIDENTS