Publication Abstract

Changing patterns of radionuclide distribution in Irish sea subtidal sediments

P.J. Kershaw, D.G. Jones, A.E. Milodowski,  C. McMahon and G.J. Hunt

This paper presents new data on the distribution of long-lived radionuclides in Irish Sea sub-tidal sediments, contaminated as a result of theBNFL Sellafield discharges. The results from 2 sampling campaigns in 1999 have been combined to assess the extent of radionuclide mobility relative to earlier surveys, in the eastern and western Irish Sea. Box cores have been systematically logged for sedimentological features to aid the interpretation of accompanying alpha and beta-gamma logs, and conventional concentration profiles. Vibrocores have been used to obtain deeper cores from areas previously under-sampled due to lack of core recovery. Greater coverage has been obtained from the western Irish Sea to map the extent and potential spread of contamination. The results appear to confirm the trend of continuing re-distribution and transfer of contamination away from the English coast.

Reference:

P.J. Kershaw, D.G. Jones, A.E. Milodowski,  C. McMahon and G.J. Hunt  (2007) Changing patterns of radionuclide distribution in Irish sea subtidal sediments. Journal of Environmental Radioactivity, 96(1-3): 63-74