Pub Date : 2026-01-23DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2026.107910
Stela Dalva Santos Cota , Rafael Soares Souza Pimenta de Almeida , Ricardo Gomes Passos , Valeria Cuccia , Vanderley de Vasconcelos , Flavia Schenato , Nerbe Jose Ruperti Junior
This study presents a radiological safety assessment of the disposal of Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM) waste from oil and gas industries in a Class I hazardous waste landfill, considering both operational and post-closure scenarios. Simulation results identified Ra-226 as the most restrictive radionuclide, with food ingestion—particularly crops cultivated on the landfill cover—emerging as the dominant exposure pathway. Sensitivity analyses revealed that root depth, cover erosion, and water transport parameters exert the greatest influence on annual dose estimates. Conservatively derived values (soil guideline) of 8–10 Bq/g for Ra-226 were established for safe disposal when combined with a clean 1-m top cover. Additionally, limiting the total activity of Ra-226, Ra-228, and Pb-210 to 150 MBq per radionuclide in a single disposal cell is recommended to enhance overall safety performance. These findings offer a robust technical basis for establishing conditional clearance criteria for NORM waste in Brazil, thereby supporting long-term radiological protection of both the public and the environment. The study may also inform countries seeking to develop regulatory frameworks for NORM generated by oil and gas industry, grounded in conservative safety analysis.
{"title":"NORM waste from oil and gas industries in Brazil: A risk-based approach to establish conditional clearance limits for disposal in hazardous waste landfills","authors":"Stela Dalva Santos Cota , Rafael Soares Souza Pimenta de Almeida , Ricardo Gomes Passos , Valeria Cuccia , Vanderley de Vasconcelos , Flavia Schenato , Nerbe Jose Ruperti Junior","doi":"10.1016/j.jenvrad.2026.107910","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jenvrad.2026.107910","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study presents a radiological safety assessment of the disposal of Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM) waste from oil and gas industries in a Class I hazardous waste landfill, considering both operational and post-closure scenarios. Simulation results identified Ra-226 as the most restrictive radionuclide, with food ingestion—particularly crops cultivated on the landfill cover—emerging as the dominant exposure pathway. Sensitivity analyses revealed that root depth, cover erosion, and water transport parameters exert the greatest influence on annual dose estimates. Conservatively derived values (soil guideline) of 8–10 Bq/g for Ra-226 were established for safe disposal when combined with a clean 1-m top cover. Additionally, limiting the total activity of Ra-226, Ra-228, and Pb-210 to 150 MBq per radionuclide in a single disposal cell is recommended to enhance overall safety performance. These findings offer a robust technical basis for establishing conditional clearance criteria for NORM waste in Brazil, thereby supporting long-term radiological protection of both the public and the environment. The study may also inform countries seeking to develop regulatory frameworks for NORM generated by oil and gas industry, grounded in conservative safety analysis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15667,"journal":{"name":"Journal of environmental radioactivity","volume":"293 ","pages":"Article 107910"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-01-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146023206","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 : 2026-01-22DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2025.107883
Xianwei Wu , Yifan Chen , Dongying Lin , Shijie Fang , Le Xiao , Chengyan Yan , Yong Liu
Predicting radon exhalation rate under high-temperature and sun-exposure conditions has always been a challenging issue for uranium tailings management units, involving the coupled effects of three important factors: temperature, humidity, and fractures rate. Under arid climate conditions, a series of indoor simulation experiments with different temperatures were conducted on the covering soil of uranium tailings. The Fully Connected Neural Network (FCNN)-based deep learning radon prediction model was proposed, and through error comparison with the Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) model, the FCNN-based deep learning radon prediction model model demonstrated a better ability to reflect the laws of radon gas release and could more accurately express the relationships between temperature, soil moisture content, the overburden fractures rate, and radon exhalation rate. This paper provides a feasible prediction method for radon control and prevention in uranium tailings.
{"title":"Study on the release pattern of radon exhalation in the overburden soil of uranium tailings under arid climate and prediction based on Fully Connected Neural Network (FCNN)-based deep learning radon prediction model","authors":"Xianwei Wu , Yifan Chen , Dongying Lin , Shijie Fang , Le Xiao , Chengyan Yan , Yong Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.jenvrad.2025.107883","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jenvrad.2025.107883","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Predicting radon exhalation rate under high-temperature and sun-exposure conditions has always been a challenging issue for uranium tailings management units, involving the coupled effects of three important factors: temperature, humidity, and fractures rate. Under arid climate conditions, a series of indoor simulation experiments with different temperatures were conducted on the covering soil of uranium tailings. The Fully Connected Neural Network (FCNN)-based deep learning radon prediction model was proposed, and through error comparison with the Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) model, the FCNN-based deep learning radon prediction model model demonstrated a better ability to reflect the laws of radon gas release and could more accurately express the relationships between temperature, soil moisture content, the overburden fractures rate, and radon exhalation rate. This paper provides a feasible prediction method for radon control and prevention in uranium tailings.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15667,"journal":{"name":"Journal of environmental radioactivity","volume":"293 ","pages":"Article 107883"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-01-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146023708","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}
The study unveils the role of mineral distribution of the red soil aggregates of variable dimensions (0–1.00 mm) on the adsorption and transport of the uranium from the aqueous tailing samples, collected from the Jiangxi province of China. The soil samples were thoroughly characterized through FTIR, XRD, SEM-EDS and XPS analysis. The characterization data validated the fact that uranium adsorption primarily occurred through (i) complexation with surface functional groups such as –OH, Si–O, Si–O–Fe, Si–O–Al, Fe–O and (ii) redox reactions with iron-bearing minerals in the aggregate. Batch mode adsorption studies were conducted to examine the interaction between hexavalent uranium and red soil aggregates. The adsorptive removal of the uranium followed the pseudo-second-order kinetics which indicate the chemisorption-dominated processes. The soil retained its micro and mesoporous surface characteristics, validated by scanning electron microscopic studies. The adsorption capacity was found as a function of solution pH, sorbent dose and contact time. The isothermal sorption data of red soil samples (S1 and S3) was found in close agreement with Langmuir model while the S2 and S4 followed the Freundlich model implying heterogeneous multilayer adsorption. These findings provide critical insights into the immobilization mechanisms of uranium in red soils, which are relevant for environmental remediation strategies in uranium-contaminated areas.
{"title":"Investigating uranium adsorption mechanism in red soil aggregates from uranium enriched tailings of the Jiangxi mining sites","authors":"Xuchen Weng , Guangya Kuang , Jiaai Chen , Taoyuan Xiu , Limin Zhou , Zhirong Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.jenvrad.2026.107905","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jenvrad.2026.107905","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The study unveils the role of mineral distribution of the red soil aggregates of variable dimensions (0–1.00 mm) on the adsorption and transport of the uranium from the aqueous tailing samples, collected from the Jiangxi province of China. The soil samples were thoroughly characterized through FTIR, XRD, SEM-EDS and XPS analysis. The characterization data validated the fact that uranium adsorption primarily occurred through (i) complexation with surface functional groups such as –OH, Si–O, Si–O–Fe, Si–O–Al, Fe–O and (ii) redox reactions with iron-bearing minerals in the aggregate. Batch mode adsorption studies were conducted to examine the interaction between hexavalent uranium and red soil aggregates. The adsorptive removal of the uranium followed the pseudo-second-order kinetics which indicate the chemisorption-dominated processes. The soil retained its micro and mesoporous surface characteristics, validated by scanning electron microscopic studies. The adsorption capacity was found as a function of solution pH, sorbent dose and contact time. The isothermal sorption data of red soil samples (S1 and S3) was found in close agreement with Langmuir model while the S2 and S4 followed the Freundlich model implying heterogeneous multilayer adsorption. These findings provide critical insights into the immobilization mechanisms of uranium in red soils, which are relevant for environmental remediation strategies in uranium-contaminated areas.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15667,"journal":{"name":"Journal of environmental radioactivity","volume":"293 ","pages":"Article 107905"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-01-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146010125","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 : 2026-01-19DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2026.107903
Alaaddin Alnajjar, Majd Hawwari
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a reference level of 0.1 mSv y−1 for radionuclides in drinking water, derived using adult water-intake assumptions and adult ingestion dose coefficients. While practical for regulatory screening, this approach may underestimate exposure where intake and radionuclide retention vary with age. In this study, an age-dependent lifetime dose accumulation model was developed for Ra-228 in drinking water. Age-specific drinking-water intake rates were combined with ICRP ingestion dose coefficients and time-resolved retention functions to estimate annual, cumulative, and lifetime-averaged effective doses from birth to 70 years.
For a reference concentration of 1 Bq L−1, the cumulative lifetime dose reached approximately 71.4 mSv, corresponding to a lifetime-averaged annual dose of ∼1.02 mSv y−1, compared with ∼0.50 mSv y−1 under the adult-based WHO framework. Annual dose peaked during adolescence at ∼2.7 mSv y−1, reflecting the superposition of retained dose contributions from intakes occurring in earlier years. When interpreted under the simplifying assumption that Ra-228 is the sole radionuclide contributing to ingestion dose, the WHO reference level of 0.1 mSv y−1 in adults (≈0.2 Bq L−1) corresponds to peak adolescent doses of ∼0.54 mSv y−1. Application of the WHO flexibility level of 1 mSv y−1 in adults (≈2 Bq L−1) yields lifetime-averaged doses exceeding 2 mSv y−1 and adolescent peaks approaching 5.4 mSv y−1.
These results demonstrate that adult-only assumptions systematically underestimate lifetime and age-specific ingestion doses for radionuclides with strong skeletal retention. Incorporating age-dependent intake and retention provides a more realistic basis for evaluating drinking-water radioactivity and supports the integration of lifetime-resolved modeling into radiological water-safety assessments.
{"title":"Age-dependent lifetime dose modeling of Radium-228 in drinking water: Implications beyond the World Health Organisation (WHO) adult-based standard","authors":"Alaaddin Alnajjar, Majd Hawwari","doi":"10.1016/j.jenvrad.2026.107903","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jenvrad.2026.107903","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a reference level of 0.1 mSv y<sup>−1</sup> for radionuclides in drinking water, derived using adult water-intake assumptions and adult ingestion dose coefficients. While practical for regulatory screening, this approach may underestimate exposure where intake and radionuclide retention vary with age. In this study, an age-dependent lifetime dose accumulation model was developed for Ra-228 in drinking water. Age-specific drinking-water intake rates were combined with ICRP ingestion dose coefficients and time-resolved retention functions to estimate annual, cumulative, and lifetime-averaged effective doses from birth to 70 years.</div><div>For a reference concentration of 1 Bq L<sup>−1</sup>, the cumulative lifetime dose reached approximately 71.4 mSv, corresponding to a lifetime-averaged annual dose of ∼1.02 mSv y<sup>−1</sup>, compared with ∼0.50 mSv y<sup>−1</sup> under the adult-based WHO framework. Annual dose peaked during adolescence at ∼2.7 mSv y<sup>−1</sup>, reflecting the superposition of retained dose contributions from intakes occurring in earlier years. When interpreted under the simplifying assumption that Ra-228 is the sole radionuclide contributing to ingestion dose, the WHO reference level of 0.1 mSv y<sup>−1</sup> in adults (≈0.2 Bq L<sup>−1</sup>) corresponds to peak adolescent doses of ∼0.54 mSv y<sup>−1</sup>. Application of the WHO flexibility level of 1 mSv y<sup>−1</sup> in adults (≈2 Bq L<sup>−1</sup>) yields lifetime-averaged doses exceeding 2 mSv y<sup>−1</sup> and adolescent peaks approaching 5.4 mSv y<sup>−1</sup>.</div><div>These results demonstrate that adult-only assumptions systematically underestimate lifetime and age-specific ingestion doses for radionuclides with strong skeletal retention. Incorporating age-dependent intake and retention provides a more realistic basis for evaluating drinking-water radioactivity and supports the integration of lifetime-resolved modeling into radiological water-safety assessments.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15667,"journal":{"name":"Journal of environmental radioactivity","volume":"293 ","pages":"Article 107903"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-01-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146010120","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 : 2026-01-18DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2026.107899
Susy Toma , Marco Capogni , Aldo Fazio , Andrea Petrucci , Mauro Capone
The accurate determination of in aqueous matrices remains a significant challenge in environmental radioanalysis due to their low activity levels, complex sample preparation, and potential interferences. This study presents the results of the Interlaboratory Comparison “Activity of radionuclides (gamma emitters + ) in an aqueous liquid solution ILC-1,” conducted in 2022 as part of the National Program on the Reliability of Ionizing Radiation Measurements. The program, coordinated by the Italian National Institute of Ionizing Radiation Metrology (ENEA-INMRI) under the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy (MIMIT), involved 34 laboratories across Italy and aimed to assess the accuracy, uncertainty estimation, and traceability of measurements of both gamma and beta-emitting radionuclides. activity concentrations were measured using radiochemical methods, and all results were compared against a reference value traceable to national primary standard provided by ENEA-INMRI. The evaluation of participants’ performance included the use of En statistical estimators and percent deviation metrics. The findings reveal variability in measurement outcomes, reflecting methodological differences and highlighting critical issues in uncertainty estimation and data reproducibility. This multi-laboratory investigation provides essential elements for improving quality-assurance practices and supporting more reliable 90Sr measurements in environmental monitoring.
{"title":"Reliability assessment of Sr90 measurements in aqueous solution in Italy: Insights from ILC-1","authors":"Susy Toma , Marco Capogni , Aldo Fazio , Andrea Petrucci , Mauro Capone","doi":"10.1016/j.jenvrad.2026.107899","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jenvrad.2026.107899","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The accurate determination of <span><math><mrow><mmultiscripts><mrow><mi>S</mi><mi>r</mi></mrow><mprescripts></mprescripts><none></none><mn>90</mn></mmultiscripts></mrow></math></span> in aqueous matrices remains a significant challenge in environmental radioanalysis due to their low activity levels, complex sample preparation, and potential interferences. This study presents the results of the Interlaboratory Comparison “Activity of radionuclides (gamma emitters + <span><math><mrow><mmultiscripts><mrow><mi>S</mi><mi>r</mi></mrow><mprescripts></mprescripts><none></none><mn>90</mn></mmultiscripts></mrow></math></span>) in an aqueous liquid solution ILC-1,” conducted in 2022 as part of the National Program on the Reliability of Ionizing Radiation Measurements. The program, coordinated by the Italian National Institute of Ionizing Radiation Metrology (ENEA-INMRI) under the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy (MIMIT), involved 34 laboratories across Italy and aimed to assess the accuracy, uncertainty estimation, and traceability of measurements of both gamma and beta-emitting radionuclides. <span><math><mrow><mmultiscripts><mrow><mi>S</mi><mi>r</mi></mrow><mprescripts></mprescripts><none></none><mn>90</mn></mmultiscripts></mrow></math></span> activity concentrations were measured using radiochemical methods, and all results were compared against a reference value traceable to national primary standard provided by ENEA-INMRI. The evaluation of participants’ performance included the use of En statistical estimators and percent deviation metrics. The findings reveal variability in measurement outcomes, reflecting methodological differences and highlighting critical issues in uncertainty estimation and data reproducibility. This multi-laboratory investigation provides essential elements for improving quality-assurance practices and supporting more reliable <sup>90</sup>Sr measurements in environmental monitoring.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15667,"journal":{"name":"Journal of environmental radioactivity","volume":"293 ","pages":"Article 107899"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-01-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146003479","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 : 2026-01-10DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2026.107898
Hugo Durand , Karine Beaugelin-Seiller , Céline Duffa , Sophie Gambardella , Olivier Radakovitch
Adapted management of accidental release of radionuclide to the sea relies especially on the application of radiological impact assessment models. While recent site-specific marine transport models provide detailed simulations, their outputs are often presented without considering maritime boundaries, that imply in practice different legal frameworks and may therefore lead to different management strategies within a physically continuous area. This study addressed that gap by integrating maritime boundaries in a radiological impact assessment of a hypothetical accidental liquid release of 137Cs at the Flamanville NPP in the English Channel.
The assessment combined the STERNE marine dispersion model, which integrates biokinetic equations, and dosimetric calculations based on the ERICA Tool. Impact characterization focuses on the contamination of non-human biota, for their own protection, and relates to benchmarks for radiation protection. Potential seafood activities are assessed against regulatory limits for commercialization after a nuclear accident. One-year dispersion simulations were carried out for a one-week Fukushima-type release, accounting for seasonal fluctuations in hydrodynamics.
Spatial dispersion showed an extensive plume crossing territorial seas, notably contaminating the territorial sea of Jersey and Guernsey, two British Crown Dependencies. The plume arrived earlier at Jersey where higher activities are estimated. Calculated activities and dose rates within those territorial seas remained mainly below radiation protection benchmarks.
To improve communication and decision-making, a novel indicator was introduced for the impact characterization: the number of days during which benchmarks values are exceeded at each grid cell. These exceedance maps offer a time-based, easily interpretable and transparent output that could enhance risk communication. It provides an adapted tool when considering regulatory uncertainties. For instance, the time perspective could make it easier to forecast economic loss and ensure for the public a better understanding of authority decisions, restoring consumer confidence in marine seafood and enabling economic activity to recover more quickly. In this study, Flamanville vicinity showed up to 70 exceedance days when considering seafood marketing limits, while values were much lower in the other parts of the Channel.
{"title":"From modelling to management: improving decision-making through contextualized marine radiological impact assessments after a nuclear accident","authors":"Hugo Durand , Karine Beaugelin-Seiller , Céline Duffa , Sophie Gambardella , Olivier Radakovitch","doi":"10.1016/j.jenvrad.2026.107898","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jenvrad.2026.107898","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Adapted management of accidental release of radionuclide to the sea relies especially on the application of radiological impact assessment models. While recent site-specific marine transport models provide detailed simulations, their outputs are often presented without considering maritime boundaries, that imply in practice different legal frameworks and may therefore lead to different management strategies within a physically continuous area. This study addressed that gap by integrating maritime boundaries in a radiological impact assessment of a hypothetical accidental liquid release of <sup>137</sup>Cs at the Flamanville NPP in the English Channel.</div><div>The assessment combined the STERNE marine dispersion model, which integrates biokinetic equations, and dosimetric calculations based on the ERICA Tool. Impact characterization focuses on the contamination of non-human biota, for their own protection, and relates to benchmarks for radiation protection. Potential seafood activities are assessed against regulatory limits for commercialization after a nuclear accident. One-year dispersion simulations were carried out for a one-week Fukushima-type release, accounting for seasonal fluctuations in hydrodynamics.</div><div>Spatial dispersion showed an extensive plume crossing territorial seas, notably contaminating the territorial sea of Jersey and Guernsey, two British Crown Dependencies. The plume arrived earlier at Jersey where higher activities are estimated. Calculated activities and dose rates within those territorial seas remained mainly below radiation protection benchmarks.</div><div>To improve communication and decision-making, a novel indicator was introduced for the impact characterization: the number of days during which benchmarks values are exceeded at each grid cell. These exceedance maps offer a time-based, easily interpretable and transparent output that could enhance risk communication. It provides an adapted tool when considering regulatory uncertainties. For instance, the time perspective could make it easier to forecast economic loss and ensure for the public a better understanding of authority decisions, restoring consumer confidence in marine seafood and enabling economic activity to recover more quickly. In this study, Flamanville vicinity showed up to 70 exceedance days when considering seafood marketing limits, while values were much lower in the other parts of the Channel.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15667,"journal":{"name":"Journal of environmental radioactivity","volume":"293 ","pages":"Article 107898"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-01-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145923391","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 : 2026-01-10DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2026.107896
Shaohang An, Yazhou Niu, Ruiqin Zhang, Mengyao Ma, Shilian Wang, Yungang Zhao, Xinjun Zhang, Shujiang Liu, Qi Li
As an ideal tracer gas in atmospheric science, radon plays a crucial role in elucidating the mechanisms governing its atmospheric concentration, which holds significant research importance. This study conducted continuous radon monitoring in Beijing to investigate its diurnal and seasonal variations, as well as its correlations with meteorological factors. Radon concentration exhibits a characteristic diurnal cycle with daytime diffusion and nighttime accumulation, a pattern largely attributable to temperature inversion. Additionally, radon concentration exhibits cyclical variations every 5–10 days, corresponding to medium-term atmospheric circulation patterns. Average radon concentrations ranged from 5.61 to 8.71 Bq·m−3 in spring and summer, and from 7.71 to 11.86 Bq·m−3 in autumn and winter. Furthermore, a positive correlation exists between radon concentration and relative humidity, while a negative correlation is observed with ambient temperature. These correlations are weaker in spring and summer and stronger in autumn and winter. A 1 h lag in radon concentration changes is evident relative to both relative humidity and temperature, with the correlation reaching a maximum at this lag time. The results of this research enhance the understanding of atmospheric radon concentration dynamics and provide a solid scientific foundation for developing a short-term prediction model of radon levels based on meteorological parameters.
{"title":"Study of atmospheric radon concentration in a suburban area of Beijing and its correlation with meteorological factors","authors":"Shaohang An, Yazhou Niu, Ruiqin Zhang, Mengyao Ma, Shilian Wang, Yungang Zhao, Xinjun Zhang, Shujiang Liu, Qi Li","doi":"10.1016/j.jenvrad.2026.107896","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jenvrad.2026.107896","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>As an ideal tracer gas in atmospheric science, radon plays a crucial role in elucidating the mechanisms governing its atmospheric concentration, which holds significant research importance. This study conducted continuous radon monitoring in Beijing to investigate its diurnal and seasonal variations, as well as its correlations with meteorological factors. Radon concentration exhibits a characteristic diurnal cycle with daytime diffusion and nighttime accumulation, a pattern largely attributable to temperature inversion. Additionally, radon concentration exhibits cyclical variations every 5–10 days, corresponding to medium-term atmospheric circulation patterns. Average radon concentrations ranged from 5.61 to 8.71 Bq·m<sup>−3</sup> in spring and summer, and from 7.71 to 11.86 Bq·m<sup>−3</sup> in autumn and winter. Furthermore, a positive correlation exists between radon concentration and relative humidity, while a negative correlation is observed with ambient temperature. These correlations are weaker in spring and summer and stronger in autumn and winter. A 1 h lag in radon concentration changes is evident relative to both relative humidity and temperature, with the correlation reaching a maximum at this lag time. The results of this research enhance the understanding of atmospheric radon concentration dynamics and provide a solid scientific foundation for developing a short-term prediction model of radon levels based on meteorological parameters.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15667,"journal":{"name":"Journal of environmental radioactivity","volume":"293 ","pages":"Article 107896"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-01-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145952036","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 : 2026-01-10DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2026.107902
Qing Wang, Kezheng Lei, Zhiyang Zhu, Aiming Zhang
The long-term safety assessment for geological disposal of high-level radioactive waste (HLW) relies on accurately predicting coupled thermal-hydrological-mechanical-chemical (THMC) processes. This review systematically summarizes advances in multiphysics numerical modeling in the field. It synthesizes THMC coupling mechanisms, mathematical models, and numerical strategies, while critically analyzing limitations in simulating millennial-scale evolution, multi-media coupled responses, and radionuclide migration uncertainties. Current challenges include integrating realistic geological structures, representing multiscale fractured media, and achieving computational efficiency for full-system long-term simulations. In response, key future pathways are outlined: advancing stress-field simulation via corner-point grid and finite element integration; developing composite media multiphysics models; adopting domain-decomposition hybrid discrete methods; and implementing high-performance parallel computing frameworks. Progress in these areas will strengthen predictive confidence and engineering applicability, thereby providing a firmer numerical basis for the safety design and risk management of geological disposal systems.
{"title":"A review of multiphysics coupling numerical modeling techniques for risk assessment in geological disposal of high-level radioactive waste","authors":"Qing Wang, Kezheng Lei, Zhiyang Zhu, Aiming Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.jenvrad.2026.107902","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jenvrad.2026.107902","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The long-term safety assessment for geological disposal of high-level radioactive waste (HLW) relies on accurately predicting coupled thermal-hydrological-mechanical-chemical (THMC) processes. This review systematically summarizes advances in multiphysics numerical modeling in the field. It synthesizes THMC coupling mechanisms, mathematical models, and numerical strategies, while critically analyzing limitations in simulating millennial-scale evolution, multi-media coupled responses, and radionuclide migration uncertainties. Current challenges include integrating realistic geological structures, representing multiscale fractured media, and achieving computational efficiency for full-system long-term simulations. In response, key future pathways are outlined: advancing stress-field simulation via corner-point grid and finite element integration; developing composite media multiphysics models; adopting domain-decomposition hybrid discrete methods; and implementing high-performance parallel computing frameworks. Progress in these areas will strengthen predictive confidence and engineering applicability, thereby providing a firmer numerical basis for the safety design and risk management of geological disposal systems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15667,"journal":{"name":"Journal of environmental radioactivity","volume":"293 ","pages":"Article 107902"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-01-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145923390","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 : 2026-01-09DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2026.107901
S. Fesenko, V. Kuznetsov, N. Sanzharova
This paper presents novel data on the translocation and weathering of radionuclides in vegetable crops following a simulated artificial rain event. The study, conducted in the intensive agricultural region of the North Caucasus, examined common crops – tomatoes and cucumbers – using sprinkler irrigation to apply a cocktail of radionuclides (59Fe, 60Co, 65Zn, 89Sr, 106Ru, 134Cs, and 144Ce). The primary objectives were to determine how radionuclide properties, plant developmental stage, and fruit maturity affect contamination dynamics.
Key findings indicate that the physicochemical nature of the radionuclide and the plant's nutrient needs are critical factors. Biogenic radionuclides (e.g., 65Zn and 134Cs), which mimic essential micronutrients, exhibited significantly higher translocation to fruits and slower self-clearing compared to less mobile radionuclides like 106Ru. This enhanced translocation may result from nutrient outflows from vegetative tissues during early fruit development. The overall translocation rate was ranked as: 106Ru < 144Ce < 89Sr < 60Co < 59Fe < 134Cs < 65Zn. Based on these results, a straightforward model is proposed to describe plant self-clearing after a single wet deposition event.
{"title":"Weathering and translocation of radionuclides following wet deposition under sprinkler irrigation","authors":"S. Fesenko, V. Kuznetsov, N. Sanzharova","doi":"10.1016/j.jenvrad.2026.107901","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jenvrad.2026.107901","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This paper presents novel data on the translocation and weathering of radionuclides in vegetable crops following a simulated artificial rain event. The study, conducted in the intensive agricultural region of the North Caucasus, examined common crops – tomatoes and cucumbers – using sprinkler irrigation to apply a cocktail of radionuclides (<sup>59</sup>Fe, <sup>60</sup>Co, <sup>65</sup>Zn, <sup>89</sup>Sr, <sup>106</sup>Ru, <sup>134</sup>Cs, and <sup>144</sup>Ce). The primary objectives were to determine how radionuclide properties, plant developmental stage, and fruit maturity affect contamination dynamics.</div><div>Key findings indicate that the physicochemical nature of the radionuclide and the plant's nutrient needs are critical factors. Biogenic radionuclides (e.g., <sup>65</sup>Zn and <sup>134</sup>Cs), which mimic essential micronutrients, exhibited significantly higher translocation to fruits and slower self-clearing compared to less mobile radionuclides like <sup>106</sup>Ru. This enhanced translocation may result from nutrient outflows from vegetative tissues during early fruit development. The overall translocation rate was ranked as: <sup>106</sup>Ru < <sup>144</sup>Ce < <sup>89</sup>Sr < <sup>60</sup>Co < <sup>59</sup>Fe < <sup>134</sup>Cs < <sup>65</sup>Zn. Based on these results, a straightforward model is proposed to describe plant self-clearing after a single wet deposition event.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15667,"journal":{"name":"Journal of environmental radioactivity","volume":"293 ","pages":"Article 107901"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-01-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145923386","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 : 2026-01-09DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2026.107897
Mingwei Wang , Hongyu Wen , Xiaoshi Lai , Zekai Zheng , Xin Wen , Junju Xu , Mingliang Kang , Hanyu Wu
Elucidating the immobilization mechanisms of radionuclides within heterogeneous host rocks is significant for the long-term safety assessment of high-level radioactive waste (HLW) geological repositories. This work evaluates the immobilization of Eu(III)—as a surrogate for trivalent actinide ions—on heterogeneous Tamusu claystones, focusing on the coupling effects of mineralogy and temperature (25–80 °C). At 25 °C, Eu(III) adsorption is governed primarily by the analcime content. Under elevated temperatures (50 °C and 80 °C), however, a contrast in retention behavior emerges between lithologies. Analcime-rich samples maintain high sorption stability (with the mineralogical ratio of (dolomite + ankerite)/analcime serving as a proxy for retention performance), whereas carbonate-rich samples exhibit complex behavior driven by the thermally induced dissolution of dolomite and ankerite. Thermodynamic modeling indicates that temperature elevation facilitates carbonate dissolution and shifts the dominant aqueous species at pH ∼9.3 from EuOH(CO3)2- to EuOHCO3(s), thereby strengthening the retention capacity of Tamusu claystone to Eu(III)/Am(III). X-ray diffractometer (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) evidence reveal that Eu(III) retention is driven by a dual mechanism: ion exchange on analcime lattices and inner-sphere surface complexation on carbonate minerals. Therefore, dolomite/ankerite-rich samples may enhance Eu(III)/Am(III) immobilization through carbonate dissolution, and analcime-rich samples offer greater long-term predictability and stability. These trends are dependent on both temperature and pH changes. The findings highlight the synergistic role of mineral phases and radionuclide immobilization under near-field thermal conditions and provide essential thermodynamic data for radionuclide migration modeling and assessing the repository performance.
{"title":"Mechanism of Eu(Ⅲ) adsorption and mineral alteration response of Tamusu claystones in Inner Mongolia","authors":"Mingwei Wang , Hongyu Wen , Xiaoshi Lai , Zekai Zheng , Xin Wen , Junju Xu , Mingliang Kang , Hanyu Wu","doi":"10.1016/j.jenvrad.2026.107897","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jenvrad.2026.107897","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Elucidating the immobilization mechanisms of radionuclides within heterogeneous host rocks is significant for the long-term safety assessment of high-level radioactive waste (HLW) geological repositories. This work evaluates the immobilization of Eu(III)—as a surrogate for trivalent actinide ions—on heterogeneous Tamusu claystones, focusing on the coupling effects of mineralogy and temperature (25–80 °C). At 25 °C, Eu(III) adsorption is governed primarily by the analcime content. Under elevated temperatures (50 °C and 80 °C), however, a contrast in retention behavior emerges between lithologies. Analcime-rich samples maintain high sorption stability (with the mineralogical ratio of (dolomite + ankerite)/analcime serving as a proxy for retention performance), whereas carbonate-rich samples exhibit complex behavior driven by the thermally induced dissolution of dolomite and ankerite. Thermodynamic modeling indicates that temperature elevation facilitates carbonate dissolution and shifts the dominant aqueous species at pH ∼9.3 from EuOH(CO<sub>3</sub>)<sub>2</sub><sup>-</sup> to EuOHCO<sub>3</sub>(s), thereby strengthening the retention capacity of Tamusu claystone to Eu(III)/Am(III). X-ray diffractometer (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) evidence reveal that Eu(III) retention is driven by a dual mechanism: ion exchange on analcime lattices and inner-sphere surface complexation on carbonate minerals. Therefore, dolomite/ankerite-rich samples may enhance Eu(III)/Am(III) immobilization through carbonate dissolution, and analcime-rich samples offer greater long-term predictability and stability. These trends are dependent on both temperature and pH changes. The findings highlight the synergistic role of mineral phases and radionuclide immobilization under near-field thermal conditions and provide essential thermodynamic data for radionuclide migration modeling and assessing the repository performance.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15667,"journal":{"name":"Journal of environmental radioactivity","volume":"293 ","pages":"Article 107897"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-01-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145923388","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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