Pub Date : 2026-02-07DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2026.107918
Mohammad Alem Sultani, Martin Bulko, Monika Müllerová, Jozef Masarik, Terézia Eckertová
Atmospheric radon progeny and particulate matter (PM) pose significant environmental health risks, yet their interactions and co-variability remain poorly quantified. This study investigates the interplay between short-lived outdoor radon progeny and ambient particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) under urban conditions in Bratislava, Slovakia. Continuous measurements of radon progeny, PM levels, boundary layer height and meteorological observations obtained over a period of three years were analysed. To characterize the relationships among variables, a hierarchy of statistical and machine learning approaches was applied, including principal component analysis, multiple linear regression (MLR), generalised additive model (GAM), random forest (RF) and XGBoost. All models identified PM as the dominant predictor of equilibrium-equivalent radon concentration (EEC), with a clear positive association between them. A nonlinear relationship was observed between EEC and PM concentration, with EEC increasing sharply with PM levels (i.e., by more than a factor of two across the observed PM range), before reaching a plateau. The RF achieved the highest predictive accuracy (R2 = 0.72), substantially outperforming GAM (R2 = 0.49) and MLR (R2 = 0.43). These results demonstrate that PM concentration has a significant impact on attached radon progeny in the atmosphere, which are further modulated by meteorological factors. Overall, this study underscores the need for flexible nonlinear modelling to capture complex radon–PM dynamics and highlights the importance of aerosol interactions in radiation dose assessment.
{"title":"Interaction between radon progeny and particulate matter in an urban environment","authors":"Mohammad Alem Sultani, Martin Bulko, Monika Müllerová, Jozef Masarik, Terézia Eckertová","doi":"10.1016/j.jenvrad.2026.107918","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jenvrad.2026.107918","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Atmospheric radon progeny and particulate matter (PM) pose significant environmental health risks, yet their interactions and co-variability remain poorly quantified. This study investigates the interplay between short-lived outdoor radon progeny and ambient particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) under urban conditions in Bratislava, Slovakia. Continuous measurements of radon progeny, PM levels, boundary layer height and meteorological observations obtained over a period of three years were analysed. To characterize the relationships among variables, a hierarchy of statistical and machine learning approaches was applied, including principal component analysis, multiple linear regression (MLR), generalised additive model (GAM), random forest (RF) and XGBoost. All models identified PM as the dominant predictor of equilibrium-equivalent radon concentration (EEC), with a clear positive association between them. A nonlinear relationship was observed between EEC and PM concentration, with EEC increasing sharply with PM levels (i.e., by more than a factor of two across the observed PM range), before reaching a plateau. The RF achieved the highest predictive accuracy (R<sup>2</sup> = 0.72), substantially outperforming GAM (R<sup>2</sup> = 0.49) and MLR (R<sup>2</sup> = 0.43). These results demonstrate that PM concentration has a significant impact on attached radon progeny in the atmosphere, which are further modulated by meteorological factors. Overall, this study underscores the need for flexible nonlinear modelling to capture complex radon–PM dynamics and highlights the importance of aerosol interactions in radiation dose assessment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15667,"journal":{"name":"Journal of environmental radioactivity","volume":"294 ","pages":"Article 107918"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-02-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146135654","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-02-03DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2026.107916
Deyi Chen, Xiuhuan Tang, Longbo Liu, Wenshui Chen, Baojie Nie, Zhiming Li, Dezhong Wang
Understanding the dispersion behaviors of radioactive particles in the atmospheric boundary layer is critical for assessing their environmental impact from nuclear facility emissions. Wind tunnels have been extensively employed to investigate wind field characteristics and atmospheric dispersion behavior of particles based on scaled similarity principles. Nevertheless, quantitative criteria governing particles similarity between wind tunnel and real atmospheric boundary layer remains largely unexplored. Here, a coupled computational fluid dynamics and discrete particle model approach was employed to quantify particles concentration distribution validated by wind tunnel experiments. Quantitative validation results revealed remarkable consistency between optimized numerical model and wind tunnel experiments for particles with three different diameters. More importantly, a similarity principle governing particles dispersion between wind tunnel and real atmospheric boundary layer environment was established via comprehensive quantitative comparison of dimensionless concentration fields. This principle revealed the scaling ratio of particle aerodynamic diameter is proportional to the one-sixth power of the spatial scale ratio when performing the wind tunnel particle dispersion experiment. Further discussion showed wind velocity has no obvious effect on the similarity principle of particles. Besides, the sphericality of particles would have an impact on the similarity principle for large size particles. This study provides fundamental data to validate particles dispersion model and guidelines to perform particle dispersion experiment in the wind tunnel system.
{"title":"Similarity principle of particulate dispersion between wind tunnel and atmospheric boundary layer: A combined theoretical and experimental study.","authors":"Deyi Chen, Xiuhuan Tang, Longbo Liu, Wenshui Chen, Baojie Nie, Zhiming Li, Dezhong Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.jenvrad.2026.107916","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvrad.2026.107916","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Understanding the dispersion behaviors of radioactive particles in the atmospheric boundary layer is critical for assessing their environmental impact from nuclear facility emissions. Wind tunnels have been extensively employed to investigate wind field characteristics and atmospheric dispersion behavior of particles based on scaled similarity principles. Nevertheless, quantitative criteria governing particles similarity between wind tunnel and real atmospheric boundary layer remains largely unexplored. Here, a coupled computational fluid dynamics and discrete particle model approach was employed to quantify particles concentration distribution validated by wind tunnel experiments. Quantitative validation results revealed remarkable consistency between optimized numerical model and wind tunnel experiments for particles with three different diameters. More importantly, a similarity principle governing particles dispersion between wind tunnel and real atmospheric boundary layer environment was established via comprehensive quantitative comparison of dimensionless concentration fields. This principle revealed the scaling ratio of particle aerodynamic diameter is proportional to the one-sixth power of the spatial scale ratio when performing the wind tunnel particle dispersion experiment. Further discussion showed wind velocity has no obvious effect on the similarity principle of particles. Besides, the sphericality of particles would have an impact on the similarity principle for large size particles. This study provides fundamental data to validate particles dispersion model and guidelines to perform particle dispersion experiment in the wind tunnel system.</p>","PeriodicalId":15667,"journal":{"name":"Journal of environmental radioactivity","volume":"293 ","pages":"107916"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-02-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146119181","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
This paper explores the sources of radon in Capodifiume lake located in the Paestum Plain of Campania, Italy, its behavior within these aquatic systems, and the potential environmental and health impacts associated with radon in lake waters. While radon is commonly studied in the context of indoor air pollution and groundwater contamination, its presence and behavior in lacustrine environments (lakes) also merit significant attention. Assessing the risk associated with radon exposure in environmental settings, including lakes and other bodies of water, is crucial for effective risk management. Furthermore, the study includes the determination of radionuclide activity in soil and plant samples from Capodifiume Lake, performed by using gamma spectrometry. This methodology yields valuable data for assessing the radiological impacts in the lake area. The ERICA (Environmental Risk from Ionizing Contaminants: Assessment and Management) tool is an integrated software system designed to assess the radiological risks to both human health and the environment and provides a comprehensive framework for radiological risk estimation and management, ensuring that both human health and ecological integrity are safeguarded. By integrating radon concentration data, ecological risk assessments, and radionuclide activity analysis, this research offers a holistic approach to understanding and managing radioecological risks in lacustrine environments. The findings underscore the necessity of regular monitoring and the implementation of effective mitigation strategies to protect public health and ensure environmental safety.
{"title":"Environmental and health risk assessment of radon in Capodifiume Lake: Investigating elevated radon levels in a karst aquifer system.","authors":"Michele Guida, Simona Mancini, Serpil Akӧzcan Pehlivanoğlu, Nataša Todorović, Mariarosaria Falanga, Jovana Nikolov, Marina Poje Sovilj, Vanja Radolić, Igor Miklavčić, Albina Cuomo, Domenico Guida","doi":"10.1016/j.jenvrad.2026.107912","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvrad.2026.107912","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This paper explores the sources of radon in Capodifiume lake located in the Paestum Plain of Campania, Italy, its behavior within these aquatic systems, and the potential environmental and health impacts associated with radon in lake waters. While radon is commonly studied in the context of indoor air pollution and groundwater contamination, its presence and behavior in lacustrine environments (lakes) also merit significant attention. Assessing the risk associated with radon exposure in environmental settings, including lakes and other bodies of water, is crucial for effective risk management. Furthermore, the study includes the determination of radionuclide activity in soil and plant samples from Capodifiume Lake, performed by using gamma spectrometry. This methodology yields valuable data for assessing the radiological impacts in the lake area. The ERICA (Environmental Risk from Ionizing Contaminants: Assessment and Management) tool is an integrated software system designed to assess the radiological risks to both human health and the environment and provides a comprehensive framework for radiological risk estimation and management, ensuring that both human health and ecological integrity are safeguarded. By integrating radon concentration data, ecological risk assessments, and radionuclide activity analysis, this research offers a holistic approach to understanding and managing radioecological risks in lacustrine environments. The findings underscore the necessity of regular monitoring and the implementation of effective mitigation strategies to protect public health and ensure environmental safety.</p>","PeriodicalId":15667,"journal":{"name":"Journal of environmental radioactivity","volume":"293 ","pages":"107912"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-02-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146112987","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-02-01DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2026.107906
Floriane Guillevic , Pierre Sabatier , Gerald Dicen , Palak Aggarwal , Anthony Foucher , Olivier Evrard , Christine Alewell
When supported by a reliable geochronology, lake sediments provide important archives for environmental and climatic changes. Artificial radionuclides in general, and cesium-137 (137Cs) in particular, are frequently used to validate sediment chronologies over the past century. This review and meta-analysis assessed the spatial distribution and variability of 137Cs in lake records from the Southern Hemisphere, while also identifying geographical data gaps. The 137Cs profile shapes and inventories were compared and categorized, and their relationships with environmental variables were tested. The spatial distribution of available data reveals an imbalance in studies available across the Southern Hemisphere, with South America showing the greatest research coverage. While the sedimentation rate was identified as a key factor of 137Cs variability, two groups identified from the database presented high peak activities regardless of sedimentation rate, particularly in lakes located between 40°S and 50°S in Chile and Argentina. Lake geographic location (and their distance from nuclear test sites) appears to be the most influential factor explaining disparities in 137Cs deposition. Surprisingly, neither precipitation nor lake elevation showed a significant correlation with 137Cs peak activity.
{"title":"Assessing the artificial radionuclide Cesium-137 spatial distribution in the Southern Hemisphere from lake sediment records","authors":"Floriane Guillevic , Pierre Sabatier , Gerald Dicen , Palak Aggarwal , Anthony Foucher , Olivier Evrard , Christine Alewell","doi":"10.1016/j.jenvrad.2026.107906","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jenvrad.2026.107906","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>When supported by a reliable geochronology, lake sediments provide important archives for environmental and climatic changes. Artificial radionuclides in general, and cesium-137 (<sup>137</sup>Cs) in particular, are frequently used to validate sediment chronologies over the past century. This review and meta-analysis assessed the spatial distribution and variability of <sup>137</sup>Cs in lake records from the Southern Hemisphere, while also identifying geographical data gaps. The <sup>137</sup>Cs profile shapes and inventories were compared and categorized, and their relationships with environmental variables were tested. The spatial distribution of available data reveals an imbalance in studies available across the Southern Hemisphere, with South America showing the greatest research coverage. While the sedimentation rate was identified as a key factor of <sup>137</sup>Cs variability, two groups identified from the database presented high peak activities regardless of sedimentation rate, particularly in lakes located between 40°S and 50°S in Chile and Argentina. Lake geographic location (and their distance from nuclear test sites) appears to be the most influential factor explaining disparities in <sup>137</sup>Cs deposition. Surprisingly, neither precipitation nor lake elevation showed a significant correlation with <sup>137</sup>Cs peak activity.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15667,"journal":{"name":"Journal of environmental radioactivity","volume":"293 ","pages":"Article 107906"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146073774","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Natural background radiation originates mainly from the decay of long-lived isotopes in rocks and soils, and the distribution of these radionuclides is reflected in terrestrial radiation maps. Such maps are essential for understanding environmental radioactivity, guiding urban planning, and establishing radiological baselines. For Sydney, no such map has existed until now.
In this work, we produced the first terrestrial gamma-radiation map of Sydney on a 10 × 10 km area using portable, low-cost gamma spectrometers (Radiacodes) for in-situ measurements and high-purity germanium gamma spectroscopy of soil samples to quantify radionuclide activities.
Open-water measurements isolated the cosmic component of the total gamma dose rate. The mean terrestrial and cosmic contributions were (0.24 0.27) mSv/yr and (0.173 0.035) mSv/yr, respectively—both in line with global background levels. Regression–kriging combining lithology and mean radionuclide concentrations as predictors explained 98% of the variation in the data, confirming that geological composition largely determines the spatial pattern of natural radioactivity in Sydney.
This reproducible low-cost approach addresses a relevant data gap and establishes a foundation for citizen-science radiation mapping in urban environments across Australia and worldwide.
{"title":"Sydney’s first terrestrial gamma-radiation map","authors":"Tengiz Ibrayev , Matilda Lawton , Giancarlo Ciotoli , Osama Fawwaz , Artem Knyazev , Blake Orr , Megan Cook , Laura Manenti","doi":"10.1016/j.jenvrad.2026.107909","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jenvrad.2026.107909","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Natural background radiation originates mainly from the decay of long-lived isotopes in rocks and soils, and the distribution of these radionuclides is reflected in terrestrial radiation maps. Such maps are essential for understanding environmental radioactivity, guiding urban planning, and establishing radiological baselines. For Sydney, no such map has existed until now.</div><div>In this work, we produced the first terrestrial gamma-radiation map of Sydney on a 10 × 10<!--> <!-->km<span><math><msup><mrow></mrow><mrow><mn>2</mn></mrow></msup></math></span> area using portable, low-cost gamma spectrometers (Radiacodes) for in-situ measurements and high-purity germanium gamma spectroscopy of soil samples to quantify radionuclide activities.</div><div>Open-water measurements isolated the cosmic component of the total gamma dose rate. The mean terrestrial and cosmic contributions were (0.24 <span><math><mo>±</mo></math></span> 0.27) mSv/yr and (0.173 <span><math><mo>±</mo></math></span> 0.035) mSv/yr, respectively—both in line with global background levels. Regression–kriging combining lithology and mean radionuclide concentrations as predictors explained 98% of the variation in the data, confirming that geological composition largely determines the spatial pattern of natural radioactivity in Sydney.</div><div>This reproducible low-cost approach addresses a relevant data gap and establishes a foundation for citizen-science radiation mapping in urban environments across Australia and worldwide.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15667,"journal":{"name":"Journal of environmental radioactivity","volume":"293 ","pages":"Article 107909"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146073775","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-02-01DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2026.107908
Zixin Li , Ting Yang , Hong Wang , Chao Xie , Lidan Lv , Yuhang Zhao , Bo Lei
To investigate the influence of coating characteristics and ambient temperature on radon reduction efficiency, four types of coatings were selected for systematic testing at various ambient temperatures. The experimental results showed that the coating's solid content significantly affected its performance. The coatings exhibited the following descending order of radon suppression efficiency: waterborne polyurethane coating > oily polyurethane coating > oily inorganic zinc-rich coating > waterborne acrylate coating. Their thermal stability also varied significantly. Waterborne polyurethane coatings demonstrate optimal thermal stability, with merely a 2.4 % fluctuation in efficiency. Furthermore, a notable difference in thermal stability was observed between water-based and oil-based polyurethane coatings.
{"title":"Experimental study on the influence of coating parameters and ambient temperature on radon reduction efficiency of coatings","authors":"Zixin Li , Ting Yang , Hong Wang , Chao Xie , Lidan Lv , Yuhang Zhao , Bo Lei","doi":"10.1016/j.jenvrad.2026.107908","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jenvrad.2026.107908","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>To investigate the influence of coating characteristics and ambient temperature on radon reduction efficiency, four types of coatings were selected for systematic testing at various ambient temperatures. The experimental results showed that the coating's solid content significantly affected its performance. The coatings exhibited the following descending order of radon suppression efficiency: waterborne polyurethane coating > oily polyurethane coating > oily inorganic zinc-rich coating > waterborne acrylate coating. Their thermal stability also varied significantly. Waterborne polyurethane coatings demonstrate optimal thermal stability, with merely a 2.4 % fluctuation in efficiency. Furthermore, a notable difference in thermal stability was observed between water-based and oil-based polyurethane coatings.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15667,"journal":{"name":"Journal of environmental radioactivity","volume":"293 ","pages":"Article 107908"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146073773","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-02-01DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2026.107914
Neng-Chuan Tien
This study develops a triple-continuum model to systematically investigate coupled fracture skin effects, colloid-associated transport, and radioactive decay chains on radionuclide migration in fractured rock. The model explicitly resolves distinct physicochemical properties of fracture skin, mobile/deposited colloid dynamics, and multi-member decay chain complexities. Using a four-quadrant framework classifying skin permeability (semi-permeable/permeable) and colloid state (mobile/deposited), we comprehensively evaluate individual and combined impacts on key radionuclides for high-level waste disposal.
Crucially, for both the 4N + 1 and 4N + 2 decay chains, the breakthrough of Np-237 and Ra-226 under conditions of mobile colloids and permeable skin (Simulation D) was observed to exceed traditional conservative estimates (Simulation A). This counterintuitive result is attributed to the accumulation of parent radionuclides, Am-241 and Th-230, within the skin and matrix. Their subsequent in-situ decay leads to the production of daughter radionuclides (Np-237 and Ra-226) in these storage domains at concentrations that can surpass those in the fracture. This reduces the concentration gradient at the fracture-skin interface, suppressing diffusive loss from the fracture. In certain cases, it can even drive back-diffusion of daughter radionuclides from the matrix/skin into the fracture, particularly pronounced for weakly sorbing Ra-226.
By integrating fracture skin, colloid-associated transport, and decay chains, this work establishes an efficient and rigorous framework for radionuclide migration modeling. The findings conclusively demonstrate that omitting any of these coupled mechanisms can lead to non-conservative or overly conservative predictions, thereby establishing a robust scientific basis that is critical for significantly enhancing the reliability of long-term safety assessments for high-level radioactive waste disposal in geological systems.
{"title":"Triple continuum modeling of coupled fracture skin, colloid, and decay chain effects on radionuclide migration in fractured rock","authors":"Neng-Chuan Tien","doi":"10.1016/j.jenvrad.2026.107914","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jenvrad.2026.107914","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study develops a triple-continuum model to systematically investigate coupled fracture skin effects, colloid-associated transport, and radioactive decay chains on radionuclide migration in fractured rock. The model explicitly resolves distinct physicochemical properties of fracture skin, mobile/deposited colloid dynamics, and multi-member decay chain complexities. Using a four-quadrant framework classifying skin permeability (semi-permeable/permeable) and colloid state (mobile/deposited), we comprehensively evaluate individual and combined impacts on key radionuclides for high-level waste disposal.</div><div>Crucially, for both the 4N + 1 and 4N + 2 decay chains, the breakthrough of Np-237 and Ra-226 under conditions of mobile colloids and permeable skin (Simulation D) was observed to exceed traditional conservative estimates (Simulation A). This counterintuitive result is attributed to the accumulation of parent radionuclides, Am-241 and Th-230, within the skin and matrix. Their subsequent in-situ decay leads to the production of daughter radionuclides (Np-237 and Ra-226) in these storage domains at concentrations that can surpass those in the fracture. This reduces the concentration gradient at the fracture-skin interface, suppressing diffusive loss from the fracture. In certain cases, it can even drive back-diffusion of daughter radionuclides from the matrix/skin into the fracture, particularly pronounced for weakly sorbing Ra-226.</div><div>By integrating fracture skin, colloid-associated transport, and decay chains, this work establishes an efficient and rigorous framework for radionuclide migration modeling. The findings conclusively demonstrate that omitting any of these coupled mechanisms can lead to non-conservative or overly conservative predictions, thereby establishing a robust scientific basis that is critical for significantly enhancing the reliability of long-term safety assessments for high-level radioactive waste disposal in geological systems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15667,"journal":{"name":"Journal of environmental radioactivity","volume":"293 ","pages":"Article 107914"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146073776","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-31DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2026.107911
Jelena M Stajic, Biljana Nikic, Snežana Štrbac, Milica Kašanin-Grubin, Nataša Stojić, Mira Pucarević, Dalibor Stajic
Urban forests contribute significantly to human well-being and climate resilience, yet they may also act as reservoirs of contaminants such as radionuclides, heavy metals, and persistent organic pollutants (POPs). These pollutants accumulate in soils and can pose chronic exposure risks to surrounding communities. This study quantified radionuclides, heavy metals and POPs in soils of the protected Mount Avala forest near Belgrade, Serbia, and evaluated the associated health risks. Natural radionuclide activities exceeded the global averages, particularly for 40K, while 137Cs behavior appeared to be highly influenced by site-specific forest conditions and post-depositional processes. Mean radiological excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) was ∼60 % above the global average. Strong correlations among 226Ra, 232Th, Co, and Ni indicate a predominantly lithogenic origin, whereas the strong correlation between 137Cs and DDE suggests similar dynamics of these contaminants under forest-specific conditions. The homogeneous distribution of 137Cs and other surface-deposited contaminants indicates downward migration and redistribution over time, driven by post-depositional processes. Soils at AT6 showed extreme enrichment in As and Pb, whereas AT8 exhibited elevated PCB 52 and DDT metabolites. While radiological hazard indices remained within safety limits, certain metals and POPs exceeded non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic intervention criteria at identified hotspots. Spatial heterogeneity in pollutant concentrations reflects both geological controls and localized anthropogenic inputs. Integrating radionuclide- and contaminant-focused monitoring, hotspot-targeted remediation, and risk-informed urban planning is essential to ensure that urban green infrastructure remains safe, sustainable, and health-supportive.
{"title":"Geochemical assessment of radionuclides, heavy metals and POPs in urban forest soils: hidden exposure pathways and health risks.","authors":"Jelena M Stajic, Biljana Nikic, Snežana Štrbac, Milica Kašanin-Grubin, Nataša Stojić, Mira Pucarević, Dalibor Stajic","doi":"10.1016/j.jenvrad.2026.107911","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvrad.2026.107911","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Urban forests contribute significantly to human well-being and climate resilience, yet they may also act as reservoirs of contaminants such as radionuclides, heavy metals, and persistent organic pollutants (POPs). These pollutants accumulate in soils and can pose chronic exposure risks to surrounding communities. This study quantified radionuclides, heavy metals and POPs in soils of the protected Mount Avala forest near Belgrade, Serbia, and evaluated the associated health risks. Natural radionuclide activities exceeded the global averages, particularly for <sup>40</sup>K, while <sup>137</sup>Cs behavior appeared to be highly influenced by site-specific forest conditions and post-depositional processes. Mean radiological excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) was ∼60 % above the global average. Strong correlations among <sup>226</sup>Ra, <sup>232</sup>Th, Co, and Ni indicate a predominantly lithogenic origin, whereas the strong correlation between <sup>137</sup>Cs and DDE suggests similar dynamics of these contaminants under forest-specific conditions. The homogeneous distribution of <sup>137</sup>Cs and other surface-deposited contaminants indicates downward migration and redistribution over time, driven by post-depositional processes. Soils at AT6 showed extreme enrichment in As and Pb, whereas AT8 exhibited elevated PCB 52 and DDT metabolites. While radiological hazard indices remained within safety limits, certain metals and POPs exceeded non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic intervention criteria at identified hotspots. Spatial heterogeneity in pollutant concentrations reflects both geological controls and localized anthropogenic inputs. Integrating radionuclide- and contaminant-focused monitoring, hotspot-targeted remediation, and risk-informed urban planning is essential to ensure that urban green infrastructure remains safe, sustainable, and health-supportive.</p>","PeriodicalId":15667,"journal":{"name":"Journal of environmental radioactivity","volume":"293 ","pages":"107911"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-01-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146099837","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-24DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2026.107907
Vijith A P , Rosaline Mishra , Sapra B K , Mayya Y S , Karunakara N
Deposition velocities of 222Rn progeny were determined using 222Rn progeny sensors (DRPS) and flow-mode integrated samplers at various 222Rn gas concentrations under steady atmospheric conditions in a large walk-in type calibration chamber of volume 22.7 m3 with a surface-to-volume ratio of 2.1 m-1. The deposition of 222Rn progeny on indoor surfaces is a dominant removal mechanism from the ambient air, reducing their concentration in the air and thereby decreasing the inhalation dose. Hence, knowledge of deposition velocity is important for inhalation dose assessment. Deposition velocity, defined as the ratio of the deposition atom flux (atoms cm−2 s−1) to the total airborne atom concentration (atoms cm−3), depends on various factors such as particle size distribution, atmospheric parameters and prevailing turbulence. In this study the impact of turbulence on deposition velocity was evaluated for two distinct situations: (i) for the surfaces facing the direction of turbulence, and (ii) for surfaces facing opposite to the turbulence direction. The deposition velocities of the progeny remained the same (considering the uncertainty associated with the measurements) regardless of the 222Rn gas concentrations in the chamber. The deposition velocities for the surfaces facing turbulence had a mean value of 0.0200 ± 0.0002 cm s−1 (0.720 ± 0.007 m h−1), while that for the surfaces facing opposite to turbulence was 0.0140 ± 0.0001 cm s−1 (0.501 ± 0.004 m h−1). These values are 5.5 and 3.8 times higher than the typical indoor deposition velocity of 0.132 m h−1. Statistical analysis of the data confirmed that turbulence influences the deposition mechanism of 222Rn progeny. The data obtained from this study highlights the importance of delineating the dependence of deposition velocity on friction velocity (u∗), and the need to characterize this parameter when reporting progeny deposition rates. It also emphasises the need to consider this parameter when testing devices and deducing sensitivity factors for deposition-based passive devices.
在体积22.7 m3、表面体积比2.1 m-1的大型步入式校准室中，采用222Rn子代传感器（DRPS）和流动模式集成采样器，在稳定大气条件下，在不同222Rn气体浓度下测定222Rn子代的沉积速度。222Rn子代在室内表面的沉积是环境空气中主要的去除机制，降低了它们在空气中的浓度，从而降低了吸入剂量。因此，了解沉积速度对于评估吸入剂量是很重要的。沉积速度，定义为沉积原子通量（原子cm−2 s−1）与空气中总原子浓度（原子cm−3）之比，取决于各种因素，如粒径分布、大气参数和盛行的湍流。在这项研究中，湍流对沉积速度的影响在两种不同的情况下进行了评估：(i)面向湍流方向的表面，以及（ii）面向湍流方向相反的表面。无论室中222Rn气体浓度如何，子代的沉积速度保持不变（考虑到与测量相关的不确定性）。面对湍流表面的沉积速度平均值为0.0200±0.0002 cm s - 1(0.720±0.007 m h - 1)，而面对湍流表面的沉积速度平均值为0.0140±0.0001 cm s - 1（0.501±0.004 m h - 1）。这些数值分别是典型室内沉积速度0.132 m h−1的5.5和3.8倍。数据的统计分析证实了湍流对222Rn子代沉积机制的影响。从这项研究中获得的数据强调了描述沉积速度对摩擦速度（u *）的依赖关系的重要性，以及在报告后代沉积速率时表征该参数的必要性。它还强调了在测试器件和推断基于沉积的无源器件的灵敏度因子时需要考虑该参数。
{"title":"Experimental investigation of deposition velocity of 222Rn progeny in a walk-in-type calibration chamber at different 222Rn concentrations","authors":"Vijith A P , Rosaline Mishra , Sapra B K , Mayya Y S , Karunakara N","doi":"10.1016/j.jenvrad.2026.107907","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jenvrad.2026.107907","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Deposition velocities of <sup>222</sup>Rn progeny were determined using <sup>222</sup>Rn progeny sensors (DRPS) and flow-mode integrated samplers at various <sup>222</sup>Rn gas concentrations under steady atmospheric conditions in a large walk-in type calibration chamber of volume 22.7 m<sup>3</sup> with a surface-to-volume ratio of 2.1 m<sup>-1</sup>. The deposition of <sup>222</sup>Rn progeny on indoor surfaces is a dominant removal mechanism from the ambient air, reducing their concentration in the air and thereby decreasing the inhalation dose. Hence, knowledge of deposition velocity is important for inhalation dose assessment. Deposition velocity, defined as the ratio of the deposition atom flux (atoms cm<sup>−2</sup> s<sup>−1</sup>) to the total airborne atom concentration (atoms cm<sup>−3</sup>), depends on various factors such as particle size distribution, atmospheric parameters and prevailing turbulence. In this study the impact of turbulence on deposition velocity was evaluated for two distinct situations: (i) for the surfaces facing the direction of turbulence, and (ii) for surfaces facing opposite to the turbulence direction. The deposition velocities of the progeny remained the same (considering the uncertainty associated with the measurements) regardless of the <sup>222</sup>Rn gas concentrations in the chamber. The deposition velocities for the surfaces facing turbulence had a mean value of 0.0200 ± 0.0002 cm s<sup>−1</sup> (0.720 ± 0.007 m h<sup>−1</sup>), while that for the surfaces facing opposite to turbulence was 0.0140 ± 0.0001 cm s<sup>−1</sup> (0.501 ± 0.004 m h<sup>−1</sup>). These values are 5.5 and 3.8 times higher than the typical indoor deposition velocity of 0.132 m h<sup>−1</sup>. Statistical analysis of the data confirmed that turbulence influences the deposition mechanism of <sup>222</sup>Rn progeny. The data obtained from this study highlights the importance of delineating the dependence of deposition velocity on friction velocity (u∗), and the need to characterize this parameter when reporting progeny deposition rates. It also emphasises the need to consider this parameter when testing devices and deducing sensitivity factors for deposition-based passive devices.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15667,"journal":{"name":"Journal of environmental radioactivity","volume":"293 ","pages":"Article 107907"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-01-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146023179","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-23DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2026.107895
Feifei Li, Qiang Liu, Wei Liu, Zhaoru He, Ming Yang, Yangchao Li
By designing several sets of sensitivity experiments with varying meteorological factors, this study investigates the influence of precipitation and wind speed variations on the radioactive fallout predictions based on the WRF-NAQPMS nuclear explosion radioactive fallout prediction model with its flexible meteorological data interface module. The results indicate that in the high precipitation scenario, although the instantons ground dose rate decreases 1 h after explosion, the cumulative ground dose rate increases with increasing precipitation 12 h after explosion. The total ground fallout reaches saturation for refractory nuclides, but shows slowing growth trend for volatile nuclides as precipitation intensity increases. Variations in wind speed have a significant impact on both the ground and vertical distribution of dose rate. The ground dose rate increases with decreasing wind speed, the vertical range of altitude layers where radioactive materials accumulate increases, and the altitude at which the high-dose-rate regions occur decreases. Overall, the ground fallout field is most affected by wind speed quantitatively, with a shift in ground dose rate of up to 200.37 % occurring within 12 h after explosion. Within 1 h after explosion, the ground dose rate fluctuates between 3.82 % and 20.63 % due to precipitation variations.
{"title":"A study on the impact of meteorological factors on radioactive fallout predictions of nuclear explosions","authors":"Feifei Li, Qiang Liu, Wei Liu, Zhaoru He, Ming Yang, Yangchao Li","doi":"10.1016/j.jenvrad.2026.107895","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jenvrad.2026.107895","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>By designing several sets of sensitivity experiments with varying meteorological factors, this study investigates the influence of precipitation and wind speed variations on the radioactive fallout predictions based on the WRF-NAQPMS nuclear explosion radioactive fallout prediction model with its flexible meteorological data interface module. The results indicate that in the high precipitation scenario, although the instantons ground dose rate decreases 1 h after explosion, the cumulative ground dose rate increases with increasing precipitation 12 h after explosion. The total ground fallout reaches saturation for refractory nuclides, but shows slowing growth trend for volatile nuclides as precipitation intensity increases. Variations in wind speed have a significant impact on both the ground and vertical distribution of dose rate. The ground dose rate increases with decreasing wind speed, the vertical range of altitude layers where radioactive materials accumulate increases, and the altitude at which the high-dose-rate regions occur decreases. Overall, the ground fallout field is most affected by wind speed quantitatively, with a shift in ground dose rate of up to 200.37 % occurring within 12 h after explosion. Within 1 h after explosion, the ground dose rate fluctuates between 3.82 % and 20.63 % due to precipitation variations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15667,"journal":{"name":"Journal of environmental radioactivity","volume":"293 ","pages":"Article 107895"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-01-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146023709","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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