Radiation-hygienic characteristics and sanitary condition of the territories of the Globus-3 and the Quartz-2 peaceful nuclear explosions in the Komi Republic
https://doi.org/10.21514/1998-426X-2025-18-1-100-111
Abstract
Introduction: Monitoring the level of radioactive contamination, especially the tritium content in water sources, as an indicator of potential releases of man-made radionuclides from radioactive waste storage areas formed as a result of peaceful nuclear explosions, is crucial for ensuring radiation safety. It allows for a prompt response to emerging risks, minimizing negative consequences for the environment and public health.
The purpose of this study was to assess the radiation-hygienic condition of the sites of peaceful nuclear explosions "Globus-3" and "Quartz-2" in the Komi Republic.
Materials and Methods: In July-August 2021, field studies were conducted in the Komi Republic in the territories adjacent to the sites of peaceful nuclear explosions "Globus-3" and "Quartz-2". These studies included measuring the ambient dose equivalent rate, the content of anthropogenic radionuclides in soil, and the specific activity of tritium in water bodies and drinking water sources in the nearest settlements. The ambient dose equivalent rate was measured using an MKG-AT1321 spectrometer. Identification of gamma-emitting radionuclides on the ground was carried out using a scintillation portable gamma-spectrometer MKSP-01. The specific activity of tritium in water samples was determined using a liquid scintillation spectrometer "Quantulus-1220."
Results and Discussion: The measured ambient dose equivalent rate of gamma radiation in all surveyed territories corresponded to the natural radiation background: in the territory of the peaceful nuclear explosion "Globus-3," the values ranged from 0.01 to 0.04 μSv/h, and in the territory "Quartz-2," from 0.01 to 0.06 μSv/h. No soil areas contaminated with anthropogenic radionuclides were detected in the investigated territories. The values of tritium specific activity in drinking water samples did not exceed 5.34 Bq/kg, which is significantly lower than the established hygienic standard (7,600 Bq/kg) and corresponded to background values. Additional anthropogenic exposure due to tritium intake with drinking water from centralized water supply systems did not exceed 0.05 µSv/year.
Conclusion: The radiation situation in the areas of peaceful nuclear explosions "Globus-3" and "Quartz-2" meets the requirements of SanPiN 2.6.1.2819-10 and does not create health risks for the local population. However, the unsatisfactory sanitary condition of the protection zones of these facilities was noted. The presented results are of practical importance for future studies and may serve as a basis for bringing the protection zones into compliance with the requirements of paragraph 3.5 of Section 3 of SanPiN 2.6.1.2819-10.
Keywords
peaceful nuclear explosions,
tritium,
Komi Republic,
“Globus-3”,
“Quartz-2”,
radionuclides,
environment,
radiological protection,
radioactive contamination
Supporting agencies: The work was carried out within the framework of the State Contract No. 81.001.20.2 with the Federal Medical and Biological Agency of Russia and the sectoral program of Rospo-trebnadzor for 2021–2025. «Scientific substantiation of the national system for ensuring sanitary and epidemiological wellbeing, managing health risks and improving the quality of life of the population of Russia» on the topic: “Improving and developing methods for monitoring environmental objects in areas where peaceful nuclear explosions are carried out. Radiation-hygienic characteristics of sources of drinking water supply”
About the Authors
K. V. Varfolomeeva
Saint Petersburg Research Institute of Radiation Hygiene after Professor P.V. Ramzaev, Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Kseniya V. Varfolomeeva, Researcher
Laboratory of Ecology
197101; Mira Str., 8; Saint Petersburg
K. A. Sednev
Saint Petersburg Research Institute of Radiation Hygiene after Professor P.V. Ramzaev, Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Konstantin A. Sednev, Junior Researcher
Laboratory of Ecology
Saint Petersburg
A. M. Biblin
Saint Petersburg Research Institute of Radiation Hygiene after Professor P.V. Ramzaev, Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Artem M. Biblin, Head of Center
Information Analytical Center
Saint Petersburg
S. A. Ivanov
Saint Petersburg Research Institute of Radiation Hygiene after Professor P.V. Ramzaev, Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Sergey A. Ivanov, Junior Researcher
Radiochemical Laboratory
Saint Petersburg
S. A. Zelentsova
Saint Petersburg Research Institute of Radiation Hygiene after Professor P.V. Ramzaev, Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Svetlana A. Zelentsova, Researcher
Laboratory of Ecology
Saint Petersburg
V. S. Repin
Saint Petersburg Research Institute of Radiation Hygiene after Professor P.V. Ramzaev, Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Viktor S. Repin, Doctor of Biological Sciences, Head of Laboratory
Ecology Laboratory
Saint Petersburg
A. G. Georgieva
Administration of the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing in the Republic of Komi in Usinsk
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Antonina G. Georgieva, Сhief Expert Specialist
Administration
Usinsk
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Review
For citations:
Varfolomeeva K.V., Sednev K.A., Biblin A.M., Ivanov S.A., Zelentsova S.A., Repin V.S., Georgieva A.G. Radiation-hygienic characteristics and sanitary condition of the territories of the Globus-3 and the Quartz-2 peaceful nuclear explosions in the Komi Republic. Radiatsionnaya Gygiena = Radiation Hygiene. 2025;18(1):100-111. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.21514/1998-426X-2025-18-1-100-111
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