Investigation into the role of fine aerosol microparticles in the distribution of radioactive isotopes in Northern Tajikistan

Specific activity of radioactive isotopes 40 K and 137 Cs from the uranium and thorium series is analyzed in samples of aerosol particles and soil in Northern Tajikistan compared to data obtained in the Southern and Central Tajikistan. This investigation allows the temporal variability of radioactive isotopes to be conceived and contributes to a solution of problems of regional radioactive loading within the impact zones of powerful dust storms forming in the region known as the Afghan wind. A comparative analysis of isotope concentrations in atmospheric aerosols and soils in the Northern regions of the country revealed that the levels of certain isotopes in aerosol particles are higher than their concentrations in soils of Northern Tajikistan. It has been demonstrated that fine-dispersed aerosol particles constitute one of the pathways for radionuclide dispersion.