Application of field gamma-ray spectrometry and dosimetry to study sedimentation on the floodplain of a small plain river in the zone of radioactive contamination
Abstract
The paper describes the experience of using portable gamma-ray spectrometric and dosimetric equipment for a large-scale geomorphological study of the Lokna river floodplain section subjected to intense radioactive contamination after the 1986 Chernobyl accident. The obtained results made it possible to produce in a short time and with low labor efforts a detailed picture of floodplain accumulation process in the studied area during the post-Chernobyl period. The measurement results were verified by layer-bylayer sampling of floodplain sediments and determining their radionuclide content under laboratory conditions. The highest rates of sedimentation were recorded in the low floodplain. Reduction of radionuclide concentrations in sediment runoff results in the burial of the most polluted layers under cleaner ones. Thus, the natural self-purification occurs, which leads to a systematic decrease in the dose rate of gamma radiation. This important from the radioecological point of view positive effect should be taken into account while forecasting the future situation.
Supporting agencies: The study was financially supported by the Russian Foundation for Basic Research (project no. мол_а 18-35-00654).
About the Authors
M. M. Ivanov
Lomonosov Moscow State University
Russian Federation
Faculty of Geography, the Makkaveev Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Fluvial Processes, Junior Scientific Researcher, PhD. in Geography
Russian Federation
Faculty of Geography, the Makkaveev Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Fluvial Processes, Junior Scientific Researcher, PhD. in Geography
O. L. Komissarova
Lomonosov Moscow State University
Russian Federation
Soil Science Faculty, Department of Radioecology and Ecotoxicology, post-graduate student
Russian Federation
Soil Science Faculty, Department of Radioecology and Ecotoxicology, post-graduate student
T. S. Koshovskyi
Lomonosov Moscow State University
Russian Federation
Faculty of Geography, the Makkaveev Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Fluvial Processes, Junior Scientific Researcher, PhD. in Geography
Russian Federation
Faculty of Geography, the Makkaveev Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Fluvial Processes, Junior Scientific Researcher, PhD. in Geography
A. S. Tsyplenkov
Lomonosov Moscow State University
Russian Federation
Faculty of Geography, the Makkaveev Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Fluvial Processes, Junior Scientific Researcher, PhD. in Geography
Russian Federation
Faculty of Geography, the Makkaveev Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Fluvial Processes, Junior Scientific Researcher, PhD. in Geography
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Review
For citations:
Ivanov M.M., Komissarova O.L., Koshovskyi T.S., Tsyplenkov A.S. Application of field gamma-ray spectrometry and dosimetry to study sedimentation on the floodplain of a small plain river in the zone of radioactive contamination. Lomonosov Geography Journal. 2021;(1):120-127. (In Russ.)
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