Natural and anthropogenic radionuclides in the rivers of Azerbaijan

In the frame of an International Atomic Energy Agency Technical Cooperation project, a radiological survey was performed in the Araks and Kura Rivers (Azerbaijan). Sediment samples, and where available, aquatic plants were collected along these two rivers and their inflow and tributary rivers. 137Cs, 238U, 234U, 239+240Pu, 238Pu, 90Sr and 241Am activity concentrations were measured. The radionuclide levels measured were relatively low, and in most cases below the detection limit, as compared with those from other areas of the world which have been directly affected by effluents from nuclear installations or influenced by the Chernobyl accident. The results indicated that the radionuclides are of natural origin or attributable to the atmospheric fallout from nuclear weapons tests or to the Chernobyl-derived deposition. (author)