Characteristics of the tritium distribution in the Danube basin region in Yugoslavia

The investigated water samples were collected from rivers, underground waters and precipitations at different locations near Belgrade during the period 1976-1979. By preconcentration and scintillation counting, the individually and monthly collected samples were analyzed for 3H content. It has been found that the 3H-concentration in monthly river water samples (Danube, Sava, Tisa) varies from 39 to 196 TU with a maximum in summer, between 0-192 TU in the underground waters depending on the sampling depth and distance from river Sava and Danube, while values of 26 to 153 TU have been detected in the monthly precipitation samples attaining a maximum during the break-through of arctic and polar continental air masses. The results were used to calculate the 3H quantity deposited per m2 (Bq/m2) of surface, due to precipitations and the flow per second (Bq/s) in the investigated locations in rivers. The interrelation between rivers, underground waters and precipitations is disussed. The 3H-distributions obtained are correlated with the water level in rivers and with the precipitation quantities and are interpreted in light of the relevant meteorological parameters and other related phenomena. (author)