Background radiation monitoring via manned helicopter and development of technology for radiation monitoring via unmanned airplane for application of nuclear emergency response technique in the fiscal year 2022 (Contract research)

Futemma, Akira; Sanada, Yukihisa; Sasaki, Miyuki; Kawasaki, Yoshiharu*; Iwai, Takeyuki*; Hiraga, Shogo*; Haginoya, Masashi*; Matsunaga, Yuki*; Akutsu, Yuichiro*; Arai, Yoshinori*; et al.

JAEA-Technology 2023-026, 161 Pages, 2024/03

JAEA-Technology-2023-026.pdf:14.66MB

By the accident at Tokyo Electric Power Company's (TEPCO's) Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station (FDNPS), caused by tsunami triggered by the 2011 off the Pacific coast of Tohoku Earthquake, a large amount of radioactive material was released into the surrounding environment. After the accident, Airborne Radiation Monitoring (ARM) via manned helicopter has been utilized as a method to quickly and extensively measure radiation distribution surrounding FDNPS. In order to utilize ARM and to promptly provide the results during a nuclear emergency, information on background radiation levels, topographical features, and controlled airspace surrounding nationwide nuclear facilities have been prepared in advance. In the fiscal year 2022, we conducted ARM around the Mihama Nuclear Power Station of Kansai Electric Power Company (KEPCO), the Tsuruga Power Station of Japan Atomic Power Company (JAPC), and the Ikata Power Station of Shikoku Electric Power Company (YONDEN), and prepared information on background radiation doses and controlled airspace. In addition, we have developed an aerial radiation detection system via unmanned airplane, which is expected to be an alternative to ARM, during a nuclear emergency. This report summarizes the results and technical issues identified.

Challenging studies by accelerator mass spectrometry for the development of environmental radiology; Status report on the analysis of Sr and Cs by AMS

Honda, Maki; Martschini, M.*; Wieser, A.*; Marchhart, O.*; Lachner, J.*; Priller, A.*; Steier, P.*; Golser, R.*; Sakaguchi, Aya*

JAEA-Conf 2022-001, p.85 - 90, 2022/11

https://doi.org/10.11484/jaea-conf-2022-001

Accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) is an analytical method that combines mass spectrometry with a tandem accelerator, which has been used mainly in nuclear physics experiments. AMS is used to measure radionuclides with half-lives of 10-10 years. For radionuclides with half-lives of this order, the method of measuring their mass is 10-10 times more sensitive than measuring their activity. Because of this advantage, AMS has been widely applied in Earth and planetary sciences, atomic energy research, and other fields. Among the various studies, Wallner et al. (2021, 2016) have achieved excellent work in Earth and planetary sciences. For example, they have attained the ultra-sensitive analysis of Fe and Pu in environmental samples. These are radionuclides produced by rapid-neutron-capture (r-process) nucleosynthesis. Our recent work shows that a new AMS system (VERA, University of Vienna), which combines laser isobaric separation and a typical AMS system, has been successfully applied to the ultra-sensitive determination of Sr and Cs in environment. For Sr in environmental samples, the -ray measurement by the milking of the daughter nuclide Y is still the principal method, which takes 3-6 weeks. The new AMS method has a detection limit of 0.1 mBq, which is comparable to that of -ray measurement, with a more straightforward chemical treatment than -measurement. Our achievement demonstrates that AMS can be a practical new method for determining Sr in the environment.

Background radiation monitoring using manned helicopter for application of technique of nuclear emergency response in the fiscal year 2020 (Contract research)

Futemma, Akira; Sanada, Yukihisa; Sasaki, Miyuki; Kawasaki, Yoshiharu*; Iwai, Takeyuki*; Hiraga, Shogo*; Sato, Kazuhiko*; Haginoya, Masashi*; Matsunaga, Yuki*; Kikuchi, Hikaru*; et al.

JAEA-Technology 2021-020, 138 Pages, 2021/11

JAEA-Technology-2021-020.pdf:17.11MB

A large amount of radioactive material was released by the nuclear disaster of Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station (FDNPS), Tokyo Electric Power Company, caused by the Great East Japan Earthquake and the following tsunami on March 11, 2011. After the nuclear disaster, airborne radiation monitoring via manned helicopter has been utilized to grasp rapidly and widely the distribution of the radioactive materials surrounding FDNPS. We prepare the data of background radiation dose, geomorphic characteristics and the controlled airspace surrounding nuclear facilities of the whole country in order to make effective use of the monitoring technique as a way of emergency radiation monitoring and supply the results during an accident of a facility. This report is summarized that the knowledge as noted above achieved by the aerial radiation monitoring around Tsuruga and Mihama nuclear power station, research reactors in Kindai University Atomic Energy Research Institute and Institute for Integrated Radiation and Nuclear Science, Kyoto University. In addition, examination's progress aimed at introduction of airborne radiation monitoring via unmanned plane during nuclear disaster and the technical issues are summarized in this report.

Background radiation monitoring using manned helicopter for application of technique of nuclear emergency response in the fiscal year 2019 (Contract research)

Futemma, Akira; Sanada, Yukihisa; Kawasaki, Yoshiharu*; Iwai, Takeyuki*; Hiraga, Shogo*; Sato, Kazuhiko*; Haginoya, Masashi*; Matsunaga, Yuki*; Kikuchi, Hikaru*; Ishizaki, Azusa; et al.

JAEA-Technology 2020-019, 128 Pages, 2021/02

JAEA-Technology-2020-019.pdf:15.75MB

A large amount of radioactive material was released by the nuclear disaster of Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station (FDNPS), Tokyo Electric Power Company, caused by the Great East Japan Earthquake and the following tsunami on March 11, 2011. After the nuclear disaster, airborne radiation monitoring using manned helicopter has been utilized to grasp rapidly and widely the distribution of the radioactive materials around FDNPS. We prepare the data of background radiation dose, geomorphic characteristics and the controlled airspace around nuclear facilities of the whole country in order to make effective use of the monitoring technique as a way of emergency radiation monitoring and supply the results during accidents of the facilities. Furthermore, the airborne radiation monitoring has been conducted in Integrated Nuclear Emergency Response Drill to increase effectiveness of the monitoring. This report is summarized that the knowledge as noted above achieved by the aerial radiation monitoring around Higashidori nuclear power station, the nuclear fuel reprocessing plant in Rokkasho village and Shika nuclear power station, the full details of the aerial radiation monitoring in Integrated Nuclear Emergency Response Drill in the fiscal 2019. In addition, examination's progress aimed at introduction of airborne radiation monitoring using unmanned helicopter during nuclear disaster and the technical issues are summarized in this report.

Preface of SI; RNs in the environments

Tanaka, Kazuya; Kaplan, D. I.*; Onuki, Toshihiko

Applied Geochemistry, 85(Part B), p.119 - 120, 2017/10

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apgeochem.2017.09.016

We have prepared a special issue for Applied Geochemistry entitled "Transformation and Fate of Natural and Anthropogenic Radionuclides in the Environments". Here, we present 13 peer-reviewed articles on the general theme of natural and anthropogenic radionuclides in different environments. At the same time, these articles cover various topics of field research on the distribution of radionuclides, as well as laboratory experiments on adsorption and redox chemistry of these. The articles have been written by the attendees of the session at the Goldschmidt 2016 held in Yokohama, Japan, and by other authors who submitted their manuscripts to Applied Geochemistry focusing on the theme of the special issue.

Noble gas monitoring at the Takasaki radionuclide station of JAEA; Certification by the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) Organization

Yamamoto, Yoichi

Isotope News, (736), p.31 - 33, 2015/08

https://www.jrias.or.jp/books/pdf/201508_TRACER_YAMAMOTO.pdf

The Takasaki radionuclide (RN) station for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) has been in operation for monitoring of radioactive noble gases (radioxenon) by the Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) since 2007, first as a test run prior to receiving the certification. The noble gas system in the station was certified by the CTBT Organization (CTBTO) on December 19, 2014. Monitoring of radioxenon is expected to have a particularly valuable role in detection of an underground nuclear test. The Takasaki RN station detected radioxenon isotopes simultaneously with radioactive concentration exceeding normal background range in April, 2013. This abnormal event was identified as being associated with the nuclear test declared by North Korea in February, 2013. Since the Takasaki RN station is located at the east end of Asia, it is receiving widespread international attention as the station for radionuclides dispersed by the westerlies.

Outline of UNSCEAR 2013 report, 1; Radionuclide releases, dispersion and deposition

Nagai, Haruyasu; Kurihara, Osamu*

Nihon Genshiryoku Gakkai-Shi ATOMO, 56(12), p.791 - 795, 2014/12

no abstracts in English

Anthropogenic radionuclides in sediment in the Japan Sea; Distribution and transport processes of particulate radionuclides

Otosaka, Shigeyoshi; Amano, Hikaru; Ito, Toshimichi; Kawamura, Hideyuki; Kobayashi, Takuya; Suzuki, Takashi; Togawa, Orihiko; Chaykovskaya, E. L.*; Lishavskaya, T. S.*; Novichkov, V. P.*; et al.

Journal of Environmental Radioactivity, 91(3), p.128 - 145, 2006/00

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvrad.2006.09.001

Distributions of radionuclides (Sr, Cs and Pu) in seabed sediment in the Japan Sea were observed during 1998-2002. Observed inventories of anthropogenic radionuclides in sediment ranged 0.1-86 Bq m for Sr, 23-379 Bq m for Cs and 0.1-86 Bq m for Pu. In the deep part ( 2 km depth) of the western Japan Basin, Pu/Cs inventory ratios were larger than those in the central Yamato Basin although inventories of radionuclides were not different between basins. The higher Pu/Cs ratios in the western Japan Basin were derived by the production of Pu-enriched particle in the surface layer and effective sinking of particulate materials in this region. In the marginal Yamato Basin and the Ulleung Basin, both inventories and Pu/Cs ratios in sediment were larger than those in the central Yamato Basin. In the eastern/southern Japan Sea, it was suggested that the supply of particulate radionuclides by the TWC enhanced accumulation of radionuclides in this region.

Status of research activities for development of CTBT-related technologies in JAERI

Shinohara, Nobuo; Inoue, Yoji; Uchikoshi, Takako*; Oda, Tetsuzo*; Kumata, Masahiro; Kurosawa, Yoshiaki; Hirota, Naoki*; Hokida, Takanori; Nakahara, Yoshinori*; Yamamoto, Yoichi

Dai-25-Kai Kaku Busshitsu Kanri Gakkai Nihon Shibu Nenji Taikai Rombunshu, p.51 - 58, 2005/00

The Japan Atomic Energy Research Institute (JAERI) conducts researches and developments related to Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) on the basis of Japan's pragmatic and progressive efforts toward peaceful use of atomic energy and non-proliferation with the goal of realizing a peaceful and safe world free from nuclear weapons. The Treaty aims for the establishment of a global verification regime comprising an International Monitoring System (IMS) and the JAERI has engaged in the following activities: construction and operation of the radionuclide monitoring stations at Okinawa (RN37) and Takasaki (RN38) and the certified radionuclide laboratory at Tokai (RL11) as specified in Annex 1 of CTBT Protocol, and preparation of the National Data Center at Tokai (JAERI NDC). Research activities of JAERI related to the CTBT verification regime are presented in the paper. The subjects of this presentation are (1) an overview of the CTBT verification regime, (2) construction and operation of RN37, RN38 and RL11, and (3) preparation of the JAERI NDC for radionuclide data.

Nuclear decay data used in radiation protection

Endo, Akira

Hoken Butsuri, 38(4), p.308 - 317, 2003/12

https://doi.org/10.5453/jhps.38.308

no abstracts in English