Evaluation of the anthropogenic radionuclide concentrations in sediments and fauna collected in the arctic

This study was performed to establish a quality controlled data set about the levels of anthropogenic radionuclide activity in the environment and in selected biota in the Arctic. Between 1993 and 1997 sediment and marine and terrestrial biota samples were collected in Alaska and in the surrounding waters, These samples were analysed at Los Alamos National Laboratory to identify the presence of the anthropogenic radionuclides, Sr-90,Cs-137, (238)pU, Pu239+240, and Am-241. One goal of this study was to determine the amounts and origins of anthropogenic radionuclides present in sediments. The anthropogenic radionuclide content of the sediments was predominantly the result of deposition of global fallout from nuclear explosions. No other sources of anthropogenic radionuclides could be conclusively identified. Biota samples of subsistence and ecological value were analysed for evidence of bioaccumulation of radionuclides. The measurements were combined with food consumption rates based on survey results for populations residing in three north Alaskan communities and on published, age-dependent ingestion coefficients. This action was carried out to estimate the potential radiological impacts from the consumption of traditional animal foods harvested in this region. No plutonium or americium was detected in any of the fauna samples. The results of this study indicate that the committed equivalent doses to adults from Sr-90 and Cs-137 owing to consumption of traditional food sources are consistent with currently accepted estimates of average doses received by adults in North America from atmospheric nuclear weapons testing fallout.