Radiological and non-radiological analysis of marine sediment near a nuclear power plant

This study examines the interplay between radiological and microbial factors in marine sediment ecosystems near nuclear power plants, using gamma spectrometry to quantify activity concentrations of ²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th, ⁴⁰K and ¹³⁷Cs in conjunction with ecological microbial assessments. The findings reveal significant radionuclides highlighting the need for regular monitoring to mitigate ecological and public health risks. Bacterial communities, such as Bacillus sphaericus, Pseudomonas and Streptomyces, play a crucial role in radionuclide sequestration and bioremediation; notably, Streptomyces produces extracellular polymeric substances that enhance uranium adsorption. In contrast, radionuclides adversely affect microbial viability and ecological interactions, challenging sustained bioremediation efforts. In addition, these bacterial communities serve as biosensors, reflecting the ecological health of contaminated environments. The study underscores the dual role of radionuclides as both contaminants and modulators of microbial activity, providing valuable information to develop robust monitoring frameworks and sustainable mitigation strategies to preserve biodiversity in radiologically impacted coastal ecosystems.