[The cradle of the Russian radioecology (to the 50th anniversary of the Kyshtym radiation accident)].
On September 29, 1957, at a nuclear industry facility (Production Association "Mayak"), there was a large radiation accident resulting in the release of radioactive wastes into the environment and the formation of the East-Urals Radioactive Trail (EURT). Within the EURT and there established in 1958 an Experimental Scientific Research Station (ESRS) which came to be known as alma mater of domestic radioecology, various comprehensive long-term investigations had been carried out. The main results of these 50-year investigations have been summarized for a broad range of problems on radionuclide migration in the natural environment and ionizing radiation effects on biota, as well as problems of environmental protection. In addition to the studies of the in situ behavior of released during the accident anthropogenic radionuclides (primarily 90Sr, the main dose-forming radionuclide within the EURT), at the ESRS large experiment have been performed to study migration and biological effects on agricultural plants and animals of man-made radionuclides (especially fresh mixtures of fission products) introduced to the natural environment. Results of ESRS experiments are described on irradiation of natural biogeocenoses from a powerful source of ionizing radiation (1.2 x 10(15) Bq 137Cs). The first unique experience is described of remediation of radioactively contaminated areas with emphasis on agricultural radioecology. The importance of the EURT and ESRS radioecological studies for the development of radioecology as a science is stressed.
Aleksakhin
R M
RM
Prister
B S
BS
D000047:Academies and Institutes; D000818:Animals; D000846:Anniversaries and Special Events; D054750:Ecotoxicology; D052918:Environmental Restoration and Remediation; D006801:Humans; D011830:Radiation Effects; D018788:Radioactive Hazard Release; D011848:Radioactive Pollutants; D012426:Russia
D011848:Radioactive Pollutants