RESEARCH OF THE CHARACTERISTICS OF UNDERGROUND AND SURFACE POLLUTION OF LAKE KISHKENSOR ON THE TERRITORY OF THE SEMIPALATINSK TEST SITE
Aktayev M.R. Akbayeva L. Pangaliyev Y. Baubek N.A.
January-February 2025National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan
News of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Series of Geology and Technical Sciences
2025#2025-January-FebruaryIssue 119 - 33 pp.
The direct consequences of nuclear explosions at the Semipalatinsk test site have been well studied, however, unique phenomena may appear under special circumstances. One of the unique radiation objects is Lake Kishkensor, the radiation contamination of which was discovered 27 years after the last underground nuclear explosion. According to one version, the source of radioactive contamination of Lake Kishkensor is the nearest “combat” well (1366), according to another version, contaminated groundwater is transferred to the lake through the regional Sosnovy fault, which passes through the Balapan test site, where any of the “combat” wells in the zone of its influence can be a source of radioactive contamination. The study employed isotope hydrology techniques, laboratory analysis of radionuclides, and monitoring of groundwater, surface waters, and bottom sediments. Systematic sampling was conducted and analyzed using spectrometry and radiochemical preparation. The primary sources of contamination were identified as atmospheric fallout from nuclear tests and the inflow of contaminated groundwater. The highest concentrations of ³H and ⁹⁰Sr were observed in the southern part of the lake, with seasonal variations in contamination levels. Radionuclides ¹³⁷Cs and ²³⁹+²⁴⁰Pu were confined to bottom sediments without significant migration into surface waters. Thus, this article presents the results of a study of the nature and mechanism of radionuclide contamination of a lake located on the territory of the Semipalatinsk test site. As a result of the study, a new local area of radiation contamination of the daylight surface on the territory of the test site was discovered. The findings provide a scientific foundation for developing radiation monitoring programs and ecosystem rehabilitation strategies in contaminated areas. The methods and conclusions can also be applied to similar aquatic systems affected by radionuclide contamination.
bottom sediments , cesium , contamination , ground waters , Lake Kishkensor , plutonium , Semipalatinsk Test Site , strontium , surface waters , tritium , ‘Balapan’ site
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L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Astana, Kazakhstan
Sh. Yesenov Caspian University of Technology and Engineering, Aktau, Kazakhstan
Scientific research company Baiterek Engineering, Astana, Kazakhstan
L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University
Sh. Yesenov Caspian University of Technology and Engineering
Scientific research company Baiterek Engineering
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