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Published on: December 14, 2017
Xenon-133: ambient activity from nuclear power stations
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|June 18, 1976
Summary
The average activity of xenon-133, a radioactive gas, was measured near Albany, NY, in 1975. This study observed pollutant dispersion from nuclear power plants in the northeastern US.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Nuclear Chemistry
- Atmospheric Science
Background:
- Xenon-133 (Xe-133) is a radioactive isotope released in gaseous effluents from nuclear facilities.
- Its relatively short half-life (5.29 days) makes it a useful tracer for atmospheric dispersion studies.
- Previous studies have investigated the environmental impact of radioactive isotopes from nuclear power plants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the average activity of xenon-133 in the air near Albany, New York, and its surrounding region.
- To understand the regional dispersion patterns of gaseous effluents from boiling water reactors in the northeastern United States.
- To assess the suitability of xenon-133 as a tracer for studying pollutant transport on regional and hemispheric scales.
Main Methods:
- Air samples were collected from April to July 1975 in and around Albany, New York.
- Gamma spectroscopy was used to measure the activity of xenon-133 in the air samples.
- Data analysis focused on calculating average concentrations and understanding dispersion patterns.
Main Results:
- The average activity of xenon-133 was found to be 2.6 picocuries per cubic meter of air.
- The primary source of xenon-133 was identified as gaseous effluents from boiling water reactors in the northeastern United States.
- The observed concentrations indicate measurable levels of this radionuclide in the study area.
Conclusions:
- Xenon-133 is detectable in the atmosphere around Albany, NY, originating from northeastern nuclear power plants.
- The dispersion of xenon-133 can be monitored to study atmospheric transport of pollutants.
- This isotope serves as a valuable tool for regional and hemispheric atmospheric dispersion research.
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