Analysis of Modern Radioecological State in WWR-M Research Nuclear Reactor Zone of the Institute for Nuclear Research NAS of Ukraine

The urgent task of the Institute for Nuclear Research (KINR) of NAS of Ukraine as the operating organization of the research nuclear reactor (RNR) WWR-M, is to maintain its efficient work, as well as the radiation safety of personnel, population and the environment, since the RNR is operated within the multimillion city. During the entire period of operation of RNR, systematic regular radiation monitoring of the state of the environment in its sanitary protection zone (SPZ) and the surveillance zone (SZ) is carried out. According to the rules, levels of the total beta-activity in precipitation and sedimentary dust, water from the main KINR collectors and the content of one of the main radionuclides of technogenic origin — ¹³⁷ Cs in soil and vegetation are being monitored. Also, the content of beta-active aerosols in the surface air and the equivalent dose rate (EDR) of gamma- radiation are measured. The estimation of the impact of RNR is performed by measuring the parameters at the stationary radiation control points (SRCP) in the SPZ and SZ selected with regard to the wind rose. In addition to the monthly sampling of precipitation and sediment dust, soil and vegetation samples are sampled twice a year in the area where sedimentation posts are placed. At these points, EDR measurements of gamma radiation are carried out at a distance of 0.1 m and 1 m from the earth's surface. The selection of wastewater is carried out from two main collectors of the reactor and the tritium laboratories of the KINR: wells 1 and 2. (author)