Radionuclides in the Lake Drukshiai - the cooling basin of the Ignalina NPP

The measurement results of the radionuclide concentrations in fall-out, in the macrophytes and bottom sediments in the lake Drukshiai are presented. The results show that rather perceptible amount of radionuclides was transported here after the Chernobyl accident and, at present, the process of the lake purification is taking place. This purification process is slowed down by radionuclides that constantly get into the lake from the Ignalina NPP through the atmosphere as well as with the disbalanced water. Corrosive radionuclides produced in the Ignalina NPP periodically get into the lake Drukshiai and this excludes this lake from other water basins. A secondary long-lived source of radionuclide pollution forms itself as the bottom sediments in the lake Drukshiai - the cooling basin of the Ignalina NPP. (author)