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Radionuclide levels at two sites in a water extraction area in the Netherlands after chernobyl

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Abstract

The coastal dune aquifer, providing drinking water for a large part of the population of the western Netherlands, is recharged by fainfall and artificial infiltration of Rhine water. Chernobyl fall-out has been detected in both water sources. At the Castricum lysimeter station the rainfall-derived water, draining from 2.25 m of unsaturated sandy soil, shows levels of Cs-137 around the detection limit of 20 to 40 mBq kg−1. At this site, the soil itself retained some Chernobyl-derived Cs-137 in the top 10 cm, where a similar quantity of old Cs-137 has also been retained. Penetration of old Cs-137 is deeper (up to 70 cm) under oak vegetation than in the bare soil. In the infiltration channels, fed by Rhine water, the bottom mud contains only Chernobyl-derived Cs nuclides. Radioactivity from Cs-137 is about one tenth of that from natural radioactivity due to K-40. Cesium levels are apparently unrelated to adsorptive properties.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physical Geography and Soil Science, University of Groningen, Kerklaan 30, 9751 NN, Haren, The Netherlands

    A. W. L. Veen

  2. Kernfysisch Versneller Instituut, University of Groningen, Zernikelaan 25, 9747 AA, Groningen, The Netherlands

    R. J. de Meijer

Authors
  1. A. W. L. Veen
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  2. R. J. de Meijer
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Veen, A.W.L., de Meijer, R.J. Radionuclide levels at two sites in a water extraction area in the Netherlands after chernobyl. Water Air Soil Pollut 44, 83–92 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00228780

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00228780

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