Risk assessment from contamination of aquatic ecosystems in the areas of Chernobyl and Ural radioactive patterns

A comparative analysis of the generalised data on radioactive contamination of aquatic ecosystems in the areas of Chernobyl and Ural radioactive patterns has been performed. The estimated contents of 90Sr and 137Cs in water, bottom sediments and fish are presented for river, lake and sea water bodies. The most highly contaminated water bodies have been revealed, namely, Chernobyl NPP cooling pond, the Techa River and several lakes in Chelyabinsk and Bryansk Regions. The results of analysis of risks imposed by radioactive contamination of the aquatic ecosystems are given. It has been shown that the levels of radiation risk from the water use in the Techa River basin and lakes in Bryansk Region can be comparable to or slightly in excess of the radiation background risk. (Author)