Tellurium radionuclides produced by major accidental events in nuclear power plants

Abstract

Environmental contextHistorical accidents in nuclear power plants have released radionuclides of several elements, including tellurium, to the environment. Although tellurium radionuclides are significant radioactive emission products, and show medium-term persistence in the environment, the mechanisms behind their widespread dispersion are unknown. Future research into the biogeochemical behaviour of stable tellurium is proposed as an appropriate approach to develop tellurium dispersion scenarios fundamental for post-accident management. AbstractTellurium (Te) is a technology critical element (TCE) and a non-negligible fission product in nuclear facilities. This work compiles the environmental releases of Te radionuclides registered after two nuclear power plant (NPP) major accidental events in human history (Chernobyl and Fukushima Daiichi). Despite the registered non-negligible activities and environmental persistence, Te radionuclides are scarcely monitored, which limits the current understanding of their biogeochemical behaviour, dispersion and fate in all environmental compartments. This lack of knowledge implies an underestimation of the role of Te radionuclides during and after accidents and its consideration in dispersion scenarios, which are fundamental for post-accidental risk assessment and management.