RADIONUCLIDE CONCENTRATIONS IN AIR PARTICULATE AT PALERMO (ITALY) FOLLOWING FUKUSHIMA ACCIDENT

Abstract

Following Fukushima accident, a series of samplings was carried out with a daily frequency so to detect the arrival of radioactive contamination in air at Palermo (Italy) and to follow its evolution during the time. Air particulate collection was performed by suction of atmospheric air through cellulose filter paper by means of an high-volume air sampler (about 15,000 m3/day). Spectrometric analysis of the filters highlights the presence of 131I, 134Cs, 137Cs and, only for a few samples, traces of 132Te-132I and 136Cs. Maximum airborne concentrations were 883 Bq m-3 for 131I (only particulate), 81Bq m-3 for 137Cs and 70 Bq m-3 for 134Cs. From a dose to population point of view, no significant values were obtained. The concentration values are from 1,000 to 100,000 times lower than the ones measured after the Chernobyl accident, while, for only 137Cs, are comparable with the ones highlighted after the Algeciras accident (Spain, 1998).