Radiocarbon Data from the Vicinity of Four South Korean Nuclear Power Plants in 2013–2014

Abstract

ABSTRACT. Radiocarbon ( 14 C) is a radionuclide generated mainly through neutron-induced reactions in all types of nuclear reactors. Since most of the 14 C released into the environment is in the form of gaseous emissions (CO 2 and hydrocarbons), terrestrial plants are the primary indicators of increased 14 C levels near nuclear power plants (NPPs). In 2013-2014, we collected samples of silver grasses (including common reed) and pine needles within 3 km of four South Korean NPP centers and measured 14 C activities using accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) at Seoul National University. The highest 14 C activities were observed, respectively, in Wolsong > Hanul > Kori > Hanbit [220, 143, 127, and 123% modern carbon (pMC)].

Radiocarbon and radiocesium in litter fall at Kawamata, ~ 45 km NW from the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant (Japan)

“…Needles of the Japanese red pines elongated rapidly in June-July and the old needles usually fall between September and November [42]. The 14 C of leaves of evergreen and deciduous trees of same ages do not show significant differences and they are similar to that of the atmosphere in which they grow [6,[43][44][45]. Foliar  13 C in terrestrial vegetation vary as a function of vegetation species and of environmental parameters, such as, among others, light, temperature and water availability.…”