Gross Alpha and Beta Radioactivities Associated With Aquatic Environments of Upper-East Tennessee Impacted by Industrial and Mining Activities
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-1985
Description
Gross alpha and beta radioactivities present in water, sediments, and macrophytes from several surface water systems in Upper-East Tennessee impacted by industrial and mining concerns were monitored during 1982. Additional samples were collected from surface water systems in the region not impacted by industrial and mining activities in order to measure the levels of natural radionuclides. Concentrations measured in surface waters were significantly lower than concentrations permitted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Sediment sample measurements indicated the presence of high natural levels of radionuclides in several of the surface water systems studied. Possible radiological contamination of sediment was identified below both of the industrial concerns in the region which process radioactive materials. Measurements of gross radioactivities in aquatic vegetation indicated extremely high levels; particularly, in macrophytes present in the surface water system immediately below a nuclear fuel fabrication facility. The levels of radioactivity present in one plant species were almost 11,000 times the levels in the surrounding water for alpha radioactivity and in excess of 7,000 times for beta radioactivity. Significant gamma radioactivity was also observed in smallmouth bass tissues harvested from this surface water system.
Citation Information
Blevins, R. D.; Schreiber, J. C.; and Pancorbo, O. C.. 1985. Gross Alpha and Beta Radioactivities Associated With Aquatic Environments of Upper-East Tennessee Impacted by Industrial and Mining Activities. Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. Vol.14(1). 83-88. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01055765 ISSN: 0090-4341