Tritium in the environment and around the institution for the usage of radio-isotopes

The behavior of tritium in the environment and the tritium content of the liquid wastes were investigated at a facility for the usage of radio-isotopes from 1982 ∼ 1985. Rain water, tap water, well water and waste water samples were collected at the facility. River samples were collected three times from the four main rivers in the Southern Osaka. The results of monthly concentration of tritium were found to fall in the ranges, 0 ∼ 219 pCi/l, since January 1982. The increases in the concentration of tritium in July and August, 1982 are possibly ascribed to the 26-th Chinese nuclear explosion. The order of the concentration of tritium was as follows : waste water (an outlet of drainage) < tap water < rain water < river water < well water. (author)