Environmental dynamics of radiocesium-bearing microparticles emitted from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident; Transport from rivers to the ocean and impact on the environment

Miura, Hikaru*; Kuribara, Yuichi  ; Takahashi, Yoshio*

Radiocesium-bearing microparticles (CsMPs), glassy water-resistant particles with highly concentrated radiocesium, were emitted by the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident. Since first discovery of CsMPs, a number of studies have analyzed the particles isolated from environmental samples and revealed their physical and chemical properties, distribution, and migration. This paper is intended to provide an overview focusing on the environmental transport and impact of CsMPs. First, we begin by reviewing the relationship between deposition areas and atmospheric plumes of CsMPs found on land. Next, search and separation methods for CsMPs will be described. Then, secondary transport via rivers and effect of CsMPs on Kd values of Cs in rivers will be discussed. Finally, CsMPs found in the ocean and their difference from terrestrial ones will be summarized.