Publication Abstract

Atlantic Ocean

Kershaw, P.J.

This article summarises the main sources and fate of radionuclides in the Atlantic Ocean, resulting primarily from human activity. This covers direct and indirect sources of artificial radionuclides due to: global fallout from weapons testing, controlled releases from nuclear establishments, the deliberate disposal of radioactive waste, accidental inputs; and, the presence of naturally-occurring radionuclides, sometimes in enhanced quantities due to human activities. The distribution and behaviour of radionuclides in seawater, sediments and biota are described, being a consequence of both the nature of the source term and the fundamental properties of the radionuclides (chemical behaviour, half-life). Finally, the article considers the radiological consequences due to the principal sources responsible for the maximum dose to the human population: nuclear fuel reprocessing and naturally-occurring radionuclides.

Reference:

Kershaw, P.J.(2010) Atlantic Ocean. In D. A. Atwood (ed), Radionuclides in the Environment, Encyclopedia of Inorganic Chemistry, John Wiley.