Effect of radioactive cesium-rich microparticles on radioactive cesium concentration and distribution coefficient in rivers flowing through the watersheds with different contaminated condition in Fukushima.

Radioactive cesium-rich microparticles (CsMPs) derived from the Fukushima Daiichi Nnuclear Power Plant accident were detected from soils and river water around Fukushima Prefecture, Japan. Because CsMPs are insoluble and rich in radioactive cesium (RCs), they may cause the overestimation of solid-water distribution coefficient (K) for RCs in the water. Previous studies showed the proportion of RCs derived from CsMPs on RCs concentration in soils collected from areas with different contaminated levels.

CESIUM-RICH MICROPARTICLES RUNOFF DURING RAINFALL: A CASE STUDY IN THE TAKASE RIVER.

Cesium-rich microparticles (CsMPs) with high cesium-137 (137Cs) concentrations were released and deposited in surface soil after the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident. Radioactive materials on the soil surface layer enter rivers owing to soil erosion during rainfall. In this study, we investigated CsMPs runoff through the river via soil erosion during rainfall in the Takase River watershed in Namie Town, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan.