Radioactivity levels in environmental samples in Russian Arctic seas

Aim of the study

The objective of the project is to get more information about the transportation, accumulation and the levels of radionuclides in the Russian Arctic. The effects of radionuclides on the Arctic flora and fauna will be estimated in addition to the evaluation of a potential risk in a nuclear accident. The isotopic ratios are used to estimate the source of contamination, e.g. the nuclear weapons testing in the 1950-1960s caused global fallout which is distinguishable from a recent release of radionuclides. The study will be a part of the International Polar Year 2007-2008 (IPY).

Implementation

STUK and Murmansk Marine Biology Institute (MMBI) signed an agreement on co-operation on January 5th, 2007. The agreement covers joint expeditions, projects, publications, exchange of scientists, intercomparison measurements and organising of joint seminars. The co-operation consists of radiation situation in marine ecosystem, nuclear safety, environmental radiation monitoring and climate change. The agreement allows participation of scientists from STUK’s Regional Laboratory in Northern Finland in the MMBI expedition to the Arctic seas in Northwest Russia. The first joint expedition and sample collection was in August 2007.

Dissemination and exploitation of the results

The results of the joint research will be presented in conferences and published in scientific publications, and also on the web pages of MMBI and STUK. The results will be used in Artic Monitoring and Assessment Program’s (AMAP) reports and the results will be stored at the AMAP database. The research material and samples will be made available for other scientists. A log book was kept during the expedition and it was made available at STUK’s web pages.

Collaborators

MMBI, Russia; Finnish Meteorological Institute, Finland

Timetable

2007–

Responsible scientists

Dina Solatie and Ari Leppänen

Page updated 15/05/2009