The Radioecological State of Terrestrial Ecosystems in the Teberda National Park
摘要
The article examines the levels of specific activity of anthropogenic (137Cs) and naturally occurring (226Ra, 232Th, and 40K) radionuclides in soils and biota components of the main ecosystems of the Teberda National Park (Teberda Nature Reserve) using the example of an ecological trail running along the Malaya Khatipara ridge (North Caucasus). Studies conducted in the conditions of a subalpine meadow (2600 m), pine forest (2300 m), fir forest (1700 m), and meadow in the valley of the Teberda River (1300 m) showed that all radiation characteristics, specifically, the power of the ambient equivalent dose of γ radiation and specific activity and stocks of radionuclides in the soil and biota components, are within the normal limits. As for natural radionuclides, their levels vary within a range from 14.71 to 24.95 kBq/m2 for 226Ra, from 20.95 to 29.25 kBq/m2 for 232Th, and from 242.2 to 345 kBq/m2 for 40K. The density of soil contamination with 137Cs is lower by a factor of 3.4 than the level (37 kBq/m2) established by the Law of the Russian Federation “On Social Protection of Citizens Exposed to the Effects of Radiation as a Result of the Chernobyl NPP Accident,” while its presence in biota components has not been recorded in statistically significant amounts. However, the main radiation indicators are usually higher in the area of the subalpine meadow located at elevation of 2600 m. Generally, radioecological situation on the ecological trail of the Malaya Khatipara ridge is favorable and does not preclude the development of ecotourism; therefore, the presence of people in this area is radiation-safe.