Case study: Long term consequences of atmospheric tests of nuclear weapons and Chernobyl disaster on territory of South Bohemia (Czech Republic)
Abstract
Temporal and spatial changes in concentrations of selected radionuclides (tritium, radiostrontium and radiocaesium) were assessed in the parts of the Vltava and Elbe river basins affected by the operation of the Temelín Nuclear Power Plant. Construction and subsequently operation of the Temelín plant initiated implementation of a number of projects, which were focused on possible impacts of the plant on the environment.
The length of the series of the data that were monitored during the implementation of the projects is more than 20 years. Results of long-term monitoring (since 1990) were used for assessment of residual contamination from atmospheric tests of nuclear weapons in the last century and the Chernobyl accident.
Concentrations of radionuclides were evaluated in surface water, sediments, fish and aquatic flora both affected and unaffected by waste water discharges from the Temelín plant before and during the operation of the plant.