For the first time, soil core samples from the Jiuquan region have been analyzed for Pu isotopes for radioactive source identification and radiological assessment. The Jiuquan region is in downwind from the Lop Nor Chinese nuclear test (CNT) site. The high Pu inventories (13 to 546 Bq/m2) in most of the sampling locations revealed that this region was heterogeneously contaminated by the regional fallout Pu from the CNTs. The contributions of the CNTs to the total Pu in soils were estimated to be more than 40% in most cases. The 240Pu/239Pu atom ratios in the soils ranged from 0.059 to 0.186 with an inventory-weighted average of 0.158, slightly lower than that of global fallout. This atom ratio could be considered as a mixed fingerprint of Pu from the CNTs. In addition, Pu in soils of Jiuquan region had a faster downward migration rate compared with other investigated places in China.

Pu isotopes in soils collected downwind from Lop Nor: regional fallout vs. global fallout

https://eprints.lincoln.ac.uk/5496/2/The_role_of_the_reactor_size_for_an_investment_in_the_nuclear_sector_final.pdf

The role of the reactor size for an investment in the nuclear sector: An evaluation of not-financial parameters

Artificial radionuclides (137Cs, 239+240Pu, 241Pu, 241Am) deposited in lacustrine sediments have been used for dating as well as radionuclide source identification. In the present work, we investigated the vertical distributions of 239+240Pu and 137Cs activities, 240Pu/239Pu atom ratios, and 239+240Pu/137Cs activity ratios in sediment cores collected from Lake Bosten, which is the lake closest to the Lop Nor Chinese Nuclear Weapon Test site in northwestern China. Uniformly high concentrations of 239+240Pu and 137Cs were found in the upper layers deposited since 1964 in the sediment cores, and these were controlled by the resuspension of soil containing radionuclides from the nearby land surface. As the Chinese nuclear tests varied remarkably in yield, the mixing of the tropospheric deposition from these tests and the stratospheric deposition of global fallout has led to a 240Pu/239Pu atom ratio that is similar to that of global fallout and to a 239+240Pu/137Cs activity ratio that is slightly higher than t...

Vertical distributions of radionuclides ((239+240)Pu, (240)Pu/(239)Pu, and (137)Cs) in sediment cores of Lake Bosten in Northwestern China.

Over the past 50 years a comprehensive regulatory framework for radioactive substances in the UK has been progressively introduced, important initial milestones being the white paper Cmnd 884 and the Radioactive Substances Act 1960. During the 1970s and 1980s there were a succession of enquiries and white papers which developed from the growing awareness of the problems of the nuclear waste legacy. This was followed by a comprehensive policy white paper in 1995: Cm 2919. In 1990, 1993, 1995 and 2005 some aspects of the 1960 Act were updated. The most recent, and most radical, modernisation took place in 2010, when the Act was incorporated into the Environmental Permitting Regulations, in England and Wales. Currently a major review of the exemption orders and exclusion criteria under the radioactive substances legislation is close to completion, which will complete the current phase of modernisation of the regulatory framework.

/pdf/radioactive-waste-policy-and-legislation-50-years-on-from-2dsga3zu58.pdf

Radioactive waste policy and legislation: 50 years on from the 1960 Act.

Surface soil samples collected in the Jiuquan region in the downwind area of the Chinese nuclear test site (CNTs) were analyzed for Pu isotopes. The 239+240Pu activities ranged from 0.025 ± 0.009 to 0.89 ± 0.16 mBq g−1, varying significantly with different sampling sites. The Dunhuang city that is located in the southwestern part of the Jiuquan region received the heaviest Pu deposition (239+240Pu activities, 0.23–0.89 mBq g−1). Most of the 240Pu/239Pu isotopic ratios were similar with that of the global fallout. However, the low values (0.080–0.147) observed in three sampling sites further supported the finding of Pu originated from CNTs in that region.

Plutonium concentration and 240Pu/239Pu isotopic ratio in the surface soils from the Jiuquan region in northwestern China

The continued availability of competent, educated and trained staff is a subject which is of key interest to all who are associated with the nuclear industry, be they operators, regulators or other stakeholders. In the UK there is a particular focus on the industry's management systems and competencies, and throughout the European Union there is a requirement for the provision of `qualified experts' to comply with the Euratom Basic Safety Standards Directive. These are but two indications of the timeliness of this report from the NEA, together with the context that the nuclear industry is static or declining in many countries. The NEA study was undertaken to examine the concern raised by OECD/NEA Member countries that nuclear education and training is decreasing, perhaps to problematic levels. The data gathered from the study, and its analysis, provide credence to the initial view. An Expert Group obtained information from almost 200 organisations including some 119 universities, research institutes, power companies, manufacturers, engineering offices, and regulatory bodies in a total of 16 NEA Member countries. The study involved a questionnaire which was used to gather information over the years from 1990 to 1998 in three sections: data on nuclear-oriented curricula offered within universities and equivalent organisations; in-house training carried out by research organisations, public institutes and companies; and case studies of experiences obtained in each country. The Expert Group's analysis draws out the key findings internationally, and points to examples of best practices which could be followed. It also summarises the position in each of the 16 countries which responded. Some of the concerns captured by the study are that: (i) although the number of nuclear scientists and technologists may appear to be sufficient today in some countries, there are indicators (e.g. declining university enrolment, changing industry personnel profiles, dilution of university course content and high retirement expectations) that future expertise is at risk; (ii) failure to take appropriate steps now will seriously jeopardise the provision of adequate expertise tomorrow. Governments and industry must assure that crucial present requirements are met and future options are not precluded; and (iii) in most countries, there are now fewer comprehensive, high-quality nuclear technology programmes at universities than before. The ability of universities to attract top-quality students, meet future staffing requirements of the nuclear industry, and conduct leading-edge research is becoming seriously compromised. Unless something is done to arrest it, this downward spiral of declining student interest and academic opportunities will continue. The report recommends urgent and specific actions in regard to: (i) strategic planning, collaboration, resourcing and infrastructure provision by Government; (ii) revitalising nuclear education in universities; (iii) the provision of rigorous training programmes by industry, in conjunction with the development of research projects by research institutes and co-ordinated efforts between industry, research institutes and universities; and (iv) a programme of collaboration in nuclear education and training, developed through the NEA, between its Member countries. This is a thought-provoking report, grounded in practical issues and recommendations for action. There is an all-important question mark at the end of the report's title. One may reasonably conclude that this question mark should be deleted, and that the findings of the study should be heeded by decision-takers nationally and internationally. The report is published by the Nuclear Energy Agency, OECD (2000), 120pp, price: £19 or 210FF, ISBN 9264185216. It is available from: OECD Bookshop, 2 rue Andre Pascal, 75775 Paris Cedex, France. Email sales@oecd.org

Nuclear education and training: cause for concern?

Between 2004 and 2009, the Surplus Source Disposal Programme (SSDP) arranged and subsidised the safe disposal or recycling of more than 11 000 unwanted radioactive items containing in total more than 8.5 × 1014 Bq of activity, from some 500 sites throughout the United Kingdom. Sources were removed principally from universities, schools and colleges, museums, and hospitals. SSDP was funded by the UK Government and managed by the Environment Agency. The programme was delivered at a total cost of £7.14 million, nearly £2 million less than its initial budget. This was a big success for health and safety, the environment, business and the public purse. Current legislative requirements under the High Activity Sealed Sources Directive, which came into effect during 2005, will prevent a build-up of high activity surplus sources in future. Continuing vigilance may be needed to avoid a build-up of lower activity disused sources.

https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/0952-4746/30/2/N01/pdf

The UK's Surplus Source Disposal Programme: successful management of a national radioactive legacy

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Nuclear education and training: cause for concern?

The UK's Surplus Source Disposal Programme: successful management of a national radioactive legacy