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The distribution coefficient K d is the ratio of the soil's radioactivity (Bq g −1) to that of the soil water (Bq ml −1). If the radioactivity is tightly bonded to by the minerals in the soil then less radioactivity can be absorbed by crops and grass growing in the soil. Cs-137 K d = 1000; Pu-239 K d = 10000 to 100000; Sr-90 K d = 80 to 150 ...
Artificial radioactive affliction to Earth’s environment began with nuclear weapon testing during World War II, but did not become a prominent topic of public discussion until the 1980s. The Journal of Environmental Radioactivity (JER) was the first collection of literature on the subject, and its inception was not until 1984. [2]
Radioactive contamination, also called radiological pollution, is the deposition of, or presence of radioactive substances on surfaces or within solids, liquids, or gases (including the human body), where their presence is unintended or undesirable (from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) definition).
The United States Environmental Protection Administration defines pollution as "Any substances in water, soil, or air that degrade the natural quality of the environment, offend the senses of sight, taste, or smell, or cause a health hazard. The usefulness of the natural resource is usually impaired by the presence of pollutants and contaminants."
Radium, like radon, is radioactive and is found in small quantities in nature and is hazardous to life if radiation exceeds 20-50 mSv/year. Radium is a decay product of uranium and thorium. [2] Radium may also be released into the environment by human activity: for example, in improperly discarded products painted with radioluminescent paint.
These particles were potentially hazardous, even in low-level radiation areas. [10] The radioactive level in each individual hot particle could rise as high as 10 kBq, which is a fairly high dosage of radiation. [10] These liquid hot particle droplets could be absorbed in two main ways; ingestion through food or water, and inhalation. [10]
The Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program (FUSRAP) is a United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) project to manage and cleanup environmental contamination that resulted from early United States Atomic Energy Commission activities.
Environmental agencies enact regulations which are intended to result in attainment of these target levels. The second class (such as the North American air quality index ) take the form of a scale with various thresholds, which is used to communicate to the public the relative risk of outdoor activity.