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THE POLLUTION OF THE WATERS OF RIVERS AND OCEANS BY RADIOACTIVE WASTES (in French)

Journal Article · · Presse Medicale (France) Superseded by Nouv. Presse Med.
OSTI ID:4084599
The recommended max level for nonidentifiable isotopes for the general population is given by the International Commission on Radiological Protection as 10/sup -4/ mu C/ml water; levels for important isotopes are tabulated. Discussion is given for the methods used for disposal of low activity wastes in rivers and oceans, and the rest as concentrates or solids in the oceans. The disposal of materials in rivers at Mol, Harwell, Chalk River, Marcoule, Fontenay- aux-Roses, and Saclay is discussed. One case is discussed for seas, that of Windscale and Calder Hall on the Irish Sea; the data indicate that more study is needed on waste disposal in such bodies of water. The disposal of radioactive wastes in the oceans requires first that samples be maintained at great depth for avoidance of transport by ocean currents; 19 such troughs deeper than 7000 m are known. Oceanographic studies indicate that at least some of these deep waters are not stagnant, but contain little salt and are highly oxygenated. It appears likely that long-lived samples can rise to upper layers of the oceans and contaminate life. Resistance of radioactive contents to currents and corrosion appears doubtful. The absorption of radioactive isotopes by living organisms is discussed, particularly by plankton from the Marshall Island tests and from the Mediterranean, and by fish and algae in the Irish Sea near Windscale. The strict regulations of the National Bureau of Standards Manual 58 appear quite justified from these studies. (BBB)
Research Organization:
Originating Research Org. not identified
NSA Number:
NSA-18-014145
OSTI ID:
4084599
Journal Information:
Presse Medicale (France) Superseded by Nouv. Presse Med., Journal Name: Presse Medicale (France) Superseded by Nouv. Presse Med. Vol. Vol: 70; ISSN PRMEA
Country of Publication:
Country unknown/Code not available
Language:
French