Radionuclide monitoring network

Activity levels for selected radionuclides In groundwater measured during 1981 (DOE-RL 1990 and DOE-RL 1991) show the contamination patterns that had developed by that time In the vicinity of the 116-N-l crib and trench (Table 5-10). The tritium data Indicate high levels of contamination In the entire area covered by the then-existing monitoring network. These data also demonstrate that the Impact of the 116-N-l crib and trench extended In all directions. The full extent of Influence of the 116-N-l facility at this time, particularly In the southern and eastern directions, cannot be determined because the network of groundwater monitoring wells Is limited. 

Improved monitoring techniques that are cheaper and more robust with respect to the environment will allow networks of monitoring wells to be placed between sources of radionuclides such as repositories or disposal sites and potentially exposed populations. This will improve the acceptance of MNA. With improved modeling capabilities and better understanding of radionuclide interactions, public confidence in predictions of the risk associated with radioactive waste management will increase. 

IMS will consist of a global network of 321 monitoring stations, as well as 16 laboratories, capable of detecting nuclear explosions worldwide. This network of 170 seismic, 80 radionuclide, 60 infrasound and 11 hydroacoustic stations, as well as 16 radionuclide laboratories—comprising a total of 337 facilities—will supply data for processing and analysis to IDC. 

Since 1990, 12 stationary apiaries (five placed in the Gorski Kotar area), stocked with Apis mellifera carnica, have been used for environmental monitoring of radionuclides. In 1994, six colonies were placed in fir and spruce woods in the Gorski Kotar area and new measurements of radionuclides and selected elements were begun, increasing the network of hives being monitored by 1995. 

The network for monitoring compliance with the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) traced the dispersion of airborne radionuclide gases and particles reaching eastern Russia after two days and the west coast of the USA two days after that. On 20.03.2011 the CTBTO station in Iceland detected radioactive traces moving towards northern Europe and Scandinavia. In Germany, the first traces of the artificial radionuclides 1-131 and Cs-134 were determined in air filter samples at the federal office for radiation protection s atmospheric monitoring station at Schauinsland on 23.03.2011. ... 

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