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14C in the Environment of Swiss Nuclear Installations

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 July 2016

Heinz Hugo Loosli  and
Hans Oeschger
Heinz Hugo Loosli
Affiliation:
Physikalisches Institut der Universität, Sidlerstrasse 5 CH–3012 Bern, Switzerland
Hans Oeschger
Affiliation:
Physikalisches Institut der Universität, Sidlerstrasse 5 CH–3012 Bern, Switzerland
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Abstract

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The results of a 10-year survey of 14C content in tree leaves from the vicinity of Swiss nuclear installations are reported. The interpretation is based on the results from a reference station showing a systematic decrease from δ14C = +350 in 1977 to ca 4–190 in 1987. Excess activities of up to ca 100 are observed in the vicinity of nuclear power plants which are compatible with release rates and dilution calculations. A higher excess of up to 1400 is measured in the close vicinity of a small research plant which releases the activity on top of the roof. The determined decrease of the activity with distance can be described by a power law with ca −1.4 in the exponent. Additional doses of 14C to plants and population from excess 14C activities are estimated to be negligible compared to natural doses.

Type
III. Global 14C Variations
Information
Radiocarbon , Volume 31 , Issue 3: June 20-25, 1988 Dubrovnik, Yugoslavia , 1989 , pp. 747 - 753
Copyright
Copyright © The American Journal of Science 

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