Article Abstract

Journal of Physical Science and Environmental Studies

Research Paper|Published February 2020|Vol. 6 (1):11-22.

https://doi.org/10.36630/jpses_19012 

 

Gamma Radiation of Radionuclide in The Mountain Areas of Former Uranium Production Facilities (Kyrgyzstan)

 

Djenbaev B.M.*, Kaldybaev B.K., Zholboldiev B.T., Karmisheve U.Sh., Shumaliev T. and Dikanov K.

 

Biology Institute of National Academy of Sciences Kyrgyz Republic, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.

 

ABSTRACT

In Kyrgyzstan, a number of tailings with radioactive waste from the uranium mining industry of the former Soviet Union have been preserved. Tailing dumps were built without taking into account the climatic conditions of the highlands, resistance to earthquakes, landslides, mudflows. Many of them are located in close proximity to populated areas (Mailuu-Suu, Min-Kush, Kaji-Sai, Ak-Tuz, etc.). The location of tailings in the watersheds of rivers of transboundary nature, in case of emergency situations, may contribute to the expansion of the boundaries of radioactive contamination. The exposure dose rate of gamma radiation on the surface of tailing sites of the natural and man-made province Mailuu-Suu varies from 30-60 μR / hour, in local areas up to 500 μR / hour, in areas where the tail materials reach the surface, the specific activity of radionuclide is increased. On the territory of the uranium natural-technogenic province of Min-Kush, tailing material for processing ore and ash with uranium residues was stored in four tailing sites of the Min-Kush province (Tuyuk-Suu, Taldy-Bulak and Kak Dalniy). Currently, the most dangerous is the Tuyuk-Suu tailing dump, located at the mouth of the Tuyuk-Suu river, where geomorphological processes (landslides) take place. The presented results of radioecological studies have practical application for the purposes of radioecological monitoring of the environment and the radiation safety of mountain ecosystems, the development of measures to reduce radiation risks.


Keywords:Tailing, Radionuclides, Radiation background, Exposure dose, Specific activity.

 

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