This seems to be associated to an additional radioactive input, mostly likely from the operational release of a local facility. Peak values of 90Sr and 137Cs concentrations and 137Cs/ 90Sr activity ratio were observed in total atmospheric deposition in 2016 and some water and food samples in the following years.
The annual effective dose ( AED) for the local population from the ingestion of foods was also evaluated. The distribution levels, temporal variations and source terms of 137Cs and 90Sr in the investigated samples were discussed.
In this work, we report for the first time the long-term monitoring data of 137Cs and 90Sr in environmental and food samples around Qinshan nuclear power plant in 2012–2019.
Environmental radioactivity monitoring in the surroundings of nuclear facilities is important to provide baseline data for effective detection in case of any radioactive release in the region.
