Developing a database for Cs-137 radioactivity concentration and assessing residual levels in surface soils of Quang Ninh, Hai Phong, and Lang Son provinces

Abstract

Cs-137 is an artificial fission product with a relatively long half-life (30 years). As a result, Cs-137 can be used as an indicator of the environment impact of release from a nuclear power plant during normal operation or emergencies. Cs-137, an artificial fission byproduct boasting a relatively extended half-life of 30 years, serves as a valuable indicator of environmental impact stemming from nuclear power plant emissions during normal operations or emergencies. This study analyzed the radioactivity concentration of Cs-137 across 826 soil samples sourced from Hai Phong, Quang Ninh, and Lang Son. Residual Cs-137 levels were meticulously evaluated and juxtaposed against prior publications to discern trends in surface soil Cs-137 concentrations. Findings revealed that the actual average residual Cs-137 level in the soil samples collected for this study stood at 236±146 Bq/m², notably lower than the calculated value of 407±77 Bq/m² derived from the published experimental formula. Consequently, the study confirms the negligible impact of Cs-137 deposition from the Fukushima nuclear accident (2011) within the surveyed area. This research not only contributes to the ongoing monitoring of environmental radiation levels but also underscores the need for precise methodologies in assessing radioactive contaminants for accurate risk evaluation and mitigation strategies.