Transfer, pathways, enrichment, and discharge of {sup 137}Cs and {sup 90}Sr in the pulp industry
Journal Article
·
· Health Physics
- Agricultural Univ. of Norway, As-NLH (Norway)
Natural and artificial radionuclides are transferred from terrestrial ecosystems via the forest industry to coastal sea water. The material processed, i.e., wood, fresh water, and bark, have low levels of radionuclides, but large amounts of raw materials are processed annually. Thus the annual flux of radionuclides is substantial. The purpose of this investigation was to study transfer, redistribution, enrichment, and discharges of {sup 137}Cs and {sup 90}Sr in pulp industry employing the sulphate process. {sup 137}Cs was highly enriched in the recovering process for sodium, while {sup 90}Sr was enriched in the recovering system for calcium compared to concentration levels in raw materials. The concentrations of {sup 137}Cs and {sup 90}Sr in bark were almost ten times the concentration level in conifer wood. No {sup 137}Cs or {sup 90}Sr could be identified in atmospheric discharges from the combustion processes. The products contained very low levels of these radionuclides. Only 5% of the annual input of {sup 137}Cs and {sup 90}Sr were found in the products. Discharges of radionuclides from this particular pulp production plant is nearly 40% of the annual {sup 137}Cs and {sup 90}Sr input. The contribution of {sup 137}Cs and {sup 90}Sr to coastal seawater is probably of minor importance providing that wood or fresh water from highly contaminated areas are not utilized. 10 refs., 6 figs., 5 tabs.
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- OSTI ID:
- 380953
- Journal Information:
- Health Physics, Journal Name: Health Physics Journal Issue: 3 Vol. 71; ISSN HLTPAO; ISSN 0017-9078
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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