Publication Abstract

The use of caesium-137 to measure dispersion from discharge pipelines at nuclear sites in the UK

A.J. Baxter and W.C. Camplin

MAFF has been monitoring the concentrations of caesium-137 in sea water in the vicinity of nuclear sites since 1962. The concentrations measured are attributable to liquid discharges from the nuclear sites, superimposed on a background which may compromise the effects of distant discharges from BNFL Sellafield and fallout from nuclear weapons testing and, in recent years, from Chernobyl. A method of estimating the initial dispersion in the immediate area of a nuclear site, by calculating the concentration of caesium-137 in sea water for a unit rate of introduction in liquid effluent, is described and illustrated by a number of examples. Allowances are made for the background, which has been deduced from measurements of radiocaesium taken at remote positions, mainly during research vessel cruises.

Reference:

A.J. Baxter and W.C. Camplin, 1994. The use of caesium-137 to measure dispersion from discharge pipelines at nuclear sites in the UK. Proc. Instn Cir. Engrs. Water Maritime and Energy, 106, 281-288.