Gamma background level in the western districts of the Bryansk region

Dosimetric monitoring of external gamma radiation in radioactively contaminated areas is an essential measure to ensure public safety. Accumulated data on radioactive contamination from different periods can be used for scientific forecasting. This study was conducted in July 2024 as part of research on agricultural ecosystems in radioactively contaminated areas of the Bryansk region. The surveyed settlements are among the most affected in Russia following the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant accident. They are located either in the zone of residence with the right to relocation, where the current soil contamination density of Cs-137 ranges from 5 to 15 Ci/km2, or in the resettlement zone, where the contamination density exceeds 15 Ci/km2. A total of 136 measurements were taken. The results were analyzed for compliance with established regulations and presented in tabular and cartographic formats. The equivalent dose rate (EDR) of gamma radiation in the surveyed area averaged 0.48+/-0.29 μSv/h (M+/-s), with a minimum value of 0.08 μSv/h and a maximum of 1.50 μSv/h. In 7 settlements within the resettlement zone, the EDR exceeded the maximum permissible value of 0.58 μSv/h. In 16 settlements, including two in the resettlement zone, the EDR was above the normal level of 0.20 μSv/h but did not exceed the maximum permissible value. In 3 settlements, the EDR remained within the normal level.