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Anthropogenic Radiocarbon: Past, Present, and Future

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 July 2016

Pavel Povinec ,
Martin Chudý  and
Alexander Šivo
Pavel Povinec
Affiliation:
Comenius University, Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, Department of Nuclear Physics, 842 15 Bratislava, Czechoslovakia
Martin Chudý
Affiliation:
Comenius University, Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, Department of Nuclear Physics, 842 15 Bratislava, Czechoslovakia
Alexander Šivo
Affiliation:
Comenius University, Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, Department of Nuclear Physics, 842 15 Bratislava, Czechoslovakia
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Abstract

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14C is one of the most important anthropogenic radionuclides released to the environment by human activities. Weapon testing raised the 14C concentration in the atmosphere and biosphere to +100% above the natural level. This excess of atmospheric C at present decreases with a half-life of ca 7 years. Recently, a new source of artificially produced 14C in nuclear reactors has become important. Since 1967, the Bratislava 14C laboratory has been measuring 14C in atmospheric 14CO2 and in a variety of biospheric samples in densely populated areas and in areas close to nuclear power plants. We have been able to identify a heavy-water reactor and the pressurized water reactors as sources of anthropogenic 14C. 14C concentrations show typical seasonal variations. These data are supported by measurements of 3H and 85Kr in the same locations. Results of calculations of future levels of anthropogenic 14C in the environment due to increasing nuclear reactor installations are presented.

Type
VI. Anthropogenic Variations
Information
Radiocarbon , Volume 28 , Issue 2A , 1986 , pp. 668 - 672
Copyright
Copyright © The American Journal of Science 

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