Tritium distribution in environmental compartments of the impact zone of radioactively contaminated areas

• A steady water exchange exists between surface and ground waters. • Soil and bottom sediments contain 3 H in the surface-adsorbed water. • The OBT is 2–3 times lower than the TFWT. • 3 H was observed in free water and the bound form in ore from the Karadzhal deposit. • Surface water is the primary source of water vapour. Tritium ( 3 H) remains a prominent radionuclide detected in notable quantities in all environmental compartments of the Semipalatinsk Test Site (STS). This study presents data describing the levels of 3 H travel in areas of the impact zones of radioactively contaminated STS locations — the Degelen site. Water, soil, sediments, air, and fluorite ore (Karadzhanly deposit product) 3 H activity concentrations (including the speciation) were measured using liquid scintillation with spectrometric equipment “TRI-CARB 2900 TR” (PerkinElmer, USA). Plant samples were measured using “QUANTULUS 1220” (PerkinElmer, USA). Plant samples were measured using “QUANTULUS 1220” (PerkinElmer, USA). The high values were set in free water 3 H in plants (TFWT) – up to 41 kBq/kg, in soils and bottom sediments (TSAW) – 29 and 26 kBq/kg, respectively. The main source of 3 H entering the environmental components is groundwater – up to 78 kBq/kg. Annual effective internal dose from 3 H to personnel during operations at the Karadzhally fluorite deposit does not exceed Standards.