Studies on radiological dose to aquatic weed at Kakrapar atomic power station site using ERICA integrated approach

Low level radioactive liquid waste which contains mainly ³H,^134+137Cs, ⁹⁰Sr, ⁶⁰Co etc is generated during operation and maintenance of PHWRs. The low level liquid waste once discharged into the aquatic system, undergoes dilution/dispersion in the lake. Subsequently accumulation by different aquatic matrices such as sediment, weeds and fishes takes place. Assumption that if controls are applied to sufficiently protect humans, then the native non-human biota are likely to be adequately protected is not supported by scientific data. Hence, it is necessary to prove exclusively that the nonhuman biota is sufficiently protected from ionizing radiation. Internationally, few studies on nonhuman biota are available however only limited data are available for Indian conditions. An attempt was made to evaluate the radiological dose to aquatic weed using ERICA Integrated Approach. This study was carried out at Kakrapar site where two PHWRs having capacity of each 220 MWe are operating since the year 1994