In-situ measurement of radiation distribution in bottom sediments of irrigation ponds using plastic scintillation fiber

Sanada, Yukihisa   ; Urabe, Yoshimi; Orita, Tadashi; Takamura, Yoshihide; Torii, Tatsuo  

There are approximately 3,700 irrigation ponds in the Fukushima prefecture. Contamination by radiocesium at the bottom of these ponds has been a concern since the accident at the TEPCO's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station (FDNPS). Among them, there are some reservoirs which contain radioactive materials in the bottom sediment. Three years have passed since the accident of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station. In relation to the restoration of agriculture in the disaster-stricken area, there are concerns over the migration of radioactive cesium in the environment. We developed 20 meter-length a plastic scintillation fiber (PSF) for measurement in water. We have conducted tests at dozens of irrigation ponds in Fukushima pref. using PSF to confirm the performance of the devices and to standardize measurement techniques and analytical procedures.