SpringerLink
Log in

Anthropogenic and Natural Radionuclides in the Mediterranean Atmospheric System

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Atmospheric Chemistry in the Mediterranean Region

  • 211 Accesses

Abstract

To better understand the transport of pollutants and nutrients by atmospheric particles in the Mediterranean area, there is a need to use and develop independent geochemical tracers to determine particle origins and transfer processes. Radionuclides, either natural or anthropogenic, are specifically adequate for this issue. When released into the atmosphere, some of them are rapidly bound to submicronic aerosols, also carriers of chemical pollutants. Here, we discuss the sources and sinks of radionuclides as tracers of atmospheric processes in the Mediterranean area. This region is highly sensitive to climate change, which will favor already marked featured processes encountered in this area: dust resuspension, wildfires, and biogenic emissions. Naturally occurring radionuclides such as 22Na and 7Be can be used to track atmospheric downdrafts and stratosphere to troposphere exchanges. Primordial radionuclides (uranium, thorium, and their decay products) originating from the earth’s crust and mantle can enter the atmosphere as particles, and their isotopic or activity ratios can help to discriminate between source locations. Additionally, formerly deposited anthropogenic radionuclide-labeled aerosols can be reemitted or resuspended into the atmosphere on a regular basis at a short scale or during paroxystic outbreaks at a large scale, especially during large wildfires and seasonal pollen emissions.

Chapter reviewed by Alexandra Ioannidou (Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Physics Department, Nuclear Physics Laboratory, Thessaloniki, 54124, Greece), as part of the book part III also reviewed by Silvia Becagli (Department of Chemistry Ugo Schiff, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3, I-50019 Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy).

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution

Subscribe and save

Springer+ Basic
EUR 32.99 /Month
  • Get 10 units per month
  • Download Article/Chapter or Ebook
  • 1 Unit = 1 Article or 1 Chapter
  • Cancel anytime
Subscribe now

Buy Now

Chapter
EUR 29.95
Price includes VAT (Germany)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
EUR 117.69
Price includes VAT (Germany)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Hardcover Book
EUR 149.79
Price includes VAT (Germany)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free ship** worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Ahmed, A. A., Mohammed, A., Ali, A. A., El-Hussein, A., and Barakat, A.: A study on aerosol residence time in El-Minia, Egypt, J. Aerosol. Sci., 31, Suppl. 1, 470–471, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0021-8502(00)90483-X, 2000.

  • Aoyama, M., Hirose, K., and Igarashi, Y.: Re-construction and updating our understanding on the global weapons tests 137Cs fallout, J. Environ. Monitor., 8, 431–438, https://doi.org/10.1039/b512601k, 2006.

  • Arimoto, R., Webb, J. L., and Conley, M.: Radioactive contamination of atmospheric dust over southeastern New Mexico, Atmos. Environ., 39, 4745–4754, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosenv.2005.04.022, 2005.

  • Baggoura, B., Noureddine, A., and Benkrid, M.: Level of natural and artificial radioactivity in Algeria, Appl. Radiat. Isot., 49, 867–873, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0969-8043(97)10005-7, 1998.

  • Bessagnet, B., Menut, L., Aymoz, G., Chepfer, H., and Vautard, R.: Modeling dust emissions and transport within Europe: The Ukraine March 2007 event, J. Geophys. Res., 113, D15202, https://doi.org/10.1029/2007JD009541, 2008.

  • Biegalski, S. R., Hosticka, B., and Mason, L. R.: Cesium-137 concentrations, trends and sources observed in Kuwait City, Kuwait, J. Radioanal. Nucl. Chem., 248, 643–649, https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1010676208657, 2001.

  • Bouisset, P., Barker, E., Masson, O., Gurriaran, R., Cagnat, X., Mekhlouche, D., Hadjaj, M., and Saey, L.: Concentration de 137Cs et de 7Be dans les aérosols en France métropolitaine et à Tahiti de 1959 à 2002, Radioprotection, 39, 367–381, https://doi.org/10.1051/radiopro:2004008, 2004.

  • Bourcier, L., Sellegri, K., Masson, O., Zangrando, R., Barbante, C., Gambaro, A., Pichon, J.-M., Boulon, J., and Laj, P.: Experimental evidence of biomass burning as a source of atmospheric 137Cs, Puy de Dôme (1465 m a.s.l.), France, Atmos. Environ., 44, 2280–2286, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosenv.2010.04.017, 2010.

  • Bourcier, L., Masson, O., Laj, P., Pichon, J.-M., Paulat, P., Freney, E., and Sellegri, K.: Comparative trends and seasonal variation of 7Be, 210Pb and 137Cs at two altitude sites in the central part of France, J. Environ. Radioact., 102, 294–301, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvrad.2010.12.005, 2011.

  • Bourcier, L., Masson, O., Laj, P., Chausse, P., Pichon, J. M., Paulat, P., Bertrand, G., and Sellegri, K.: A new method for assessing the aerosol to rain chemical composition relationships, Atmos. Res., 118, 295–303, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosres.2012.07.020, 2012.

  • Brattich, E., Hernandez-Ceballos, M. A., Orza, J. A. G., Bolívar, J. P., and Tositti, L.: The western Mediterranean basin as an aged aerosols reservoir. Insights from an old-fashioned but efficient radiotracer, Atmos. Environ., 141, 481–493, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosenv.2016.07.022, 2016.

  • Brattich, E., Orza, J. A. G., Cristofanelli, P., Bonasoni, P., and Tositti, L.: Influence of stratospheric air masses on radiotracers and ozone over the central Mediterranean, J. Geophys. Res. Atmos., 122, 7164–7182, https://doi.org/10.1002/2017JD027036, 2017.

  • Buat-Ménard, P., and Arnold, M: The heavy metal chemistry of atmospheric particulate matter emitted by mount Etna volcano, Geophys. Res. Lett., 5, 245–248, https://doi.org/10.1029/GL005i004p00245, 1978.

  • Cannizzaro, F., Greco, G., Raneli, M., Spitale, M. C., and Tomarchio, E.: Determination of 210Pb concentration in the air at ground-level by gamma-ray spectrometry, Appl. Radiat. Isot., 51, 239–245, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0969-8043(98)00177-8, 1999.

  • Castrillejo, M., Casacuberta, N., Christl, M., Garcia-Orellana, J., Vockenhuber, C., Synal, H.-A., and Masqué, P.: Anthropogenic 236U and 129I in the Mediterranean Sea: First comprehensive distribution and constraint of their sources, Sci. Total Environ., 593–594, 745–759, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.03.201, 2017.

  • Corcho Alvarado, J. A., Steinmann, P., Estier, S., Bochud, F., Haldimann, M., and Froidevaux, P.: Anthropogenic radionuclides in atmospheric air over Switzerland during the last few decades, Nat. Commun., 5, 3030, https://doi.org/10.1038/ncomms4030, 2014.

  • Chham, E., Piñero-García, F., Gonzalez-Rodelas, P., and Ferro-García, M. A.: Impact of air masses on the distribution of 210Pb in the southeast of Iberian Peninsula air, J. Environ. Radioact., 177, 169–183, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvrad.2017.06.030, 2017.

  • Christensen, J. H., Kanikicharla, K. K., Aldrian, E., An, S. I., Albuquerque Cavalcanti, I. F., de Castro, M., Dong, W., Goswami, P., Hall, A., Kanyanga, J. K., Kitoh, A., Kossin, J., Lau, N.-C., Renwick, J., Stephenson, D. B., **e, S.-P., Zhou, T., Abraham, L., Ambrizzi, T., Anderson, B., Arakawa, O., Arritt, R., Baldwin, M., Barlow, M., Barriopedro, D., Biasutti, M., Biner, S., Bromwich, D., Brown, J., Cai, W., Carvalho, L. V., Chang, P., Chen, X., Choi, J., Christensen, O. B., Deser, C., Emanuel, K., Endo, H., Enfield, D. B., Evan, A., Giannini, A., Gillett, N., Hariharasubramanian, A., Huang, P., Jones, J., Karumuri, A., Katzfey, J., Kjellström, E., Knight, J., Knutson, T., Kulkarni, A., Kundeti, K. R., Lau, W. K., Lenderink, G., Lennard, C., Leung, L.-Y. R., Lin, R., Losada, T., Mackellar, N. C., Magaña, V., Marshall, G., Mearns, L., Meehl, G., Menéndez, C., Murakami, H., Nath, M. J., Neelin, J. D., van Oldenborgh, G. J., Olesen, M., Polcher, J., Qian, Y., Ray, S., Reich, K. D., de Fonseca, B. R., Ruti, P., Screen, J., Sedláček, J., Solman, S., Stendel, M., Stevenson, S., Takayabu, I., Turner, J., Ummenhofer, C., Walsh, K., Wang, B., Wang, C., Watterson, I., Widlansky, M., Wittenberg, A., Woollings, T., Yeh, S.-W., Zhang, C., Zhang, L., Zheng, X., and Zou, L.: Climate phenomena and their relevance for future regional climate change, in Climate Change 2013 the Physical Science Basis: Working Group I Contribution to the Fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Vol. 9781107057999, 1217–1308, Cambridge University Press, https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9781107415324.028, 2013.

  • De Cort, M., Dubois, G., Fridman, Sh. D., Germenchuk, M. G., Izrael, Yu. A., Janssens, A., Jones, A. R., Kelly, G. N., Kvasnikova, E. V., Matveenko, I. I., Nazarov, I. M., Pokumeiko, Yu. M., Sitak, V. A., Stukin, E. D., Tabachny, L., Ya., Tsaturov, Yu. S., and Avdyushin, S. I.: Atlas of caesium deposition on Europe after the Chernobyl accident, Rept. EUR-19801-EN-RU, Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, Luxembourg, Catalog number CG-NA-16-733-29-C, ISBN 92-828-3140-X, https://op.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/110b15f7-4df8-49a0-856f-be8f681ae9fd, 1998.

  • Doussin, J.-F.: The Mediterranean region under anthropogenic pressures, In: F. Dulac, S. Sauvage, & E. Hamonou (Eds.), Atmospheric Chemistry in the Mediterranean Region (Vol. 1, Background Information and Pollutant Distribution), Springer, this volume (pp. 77–98), https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-12741-0_4, 2023.

  • Dueñas, C., Fernández, M. C., Carretero, J., Liger, E., and Cañete, S.: 7Be and 210Pb concentrations in air in Malaga (Spain), J. Radioanal. Nucl. Chem., 257, 249–253, https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1024759107741, 2003.

  • Dueñas, C., Fernández, M. C., Carretero, J., Liger, E., and Cañete, S.: Long-term variation of the concentrations of long-lived Rn descendants and cosmogenic 7Be and determination of the MRT of aerosols, Atmos. Environ., 38, 1291–1301, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosenv.2003.11.029, 2004.

  • Dueñas, C., Orza, J. A. G., Cabello, M., Fernández, M. C., Cañete, S., Pérez, M., and Gordo, E.: Air mass origin and its influence on radionuclide activities (7Be and 210Pb) in aerosol particles at a coastal site in the western Mediterranean, J. Environ. Radioact., 101, 205–214, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosres.2011.02.011, 2011.

  • Dulac, F., Buat-Ménard, P., Arnold, M., Ezat, U., and Martin, D.: Atmospheric input of trace metals to the western Mediterranean Sea: 1. Factors controlling the variability of atmospheric concentrations, J. Geophys. Res., 92, 8437–8453, https://doi.org/10.1029/JD092iD07p08437, 1987.

  • Dulac, F., Mihalopoulos, N., Kaskaoutis, D., Querol, X., di Sarra, A., Masson, O., Pey J., Sciare, J., and Sicard, M.: History of Mediterranean aerosol studies. In F. Dulac, S. Sauvage, & E. Hamonou (Eds.), Atmospheric Chemistry in the Mediterranean Region (Vol. 1, Background Information and Pollutant Distribution). Springer, this volume (pp. 145–252), https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-12741-0_8, 2023.

  • Eleftheriadis, K., and Ioannidou, A.: Chapter 4 – Radioactive aerosol analysis, in Handbook of Radioactivity Analysis, Vol. 2, Radioanalytical Applications, 4th Ed., L’Annunziata, M. F., Ed., Elsevier, Cambridge, 263–313, https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-814395-7.00004-0, 2020.

  • Evangeliou, N., Balkanski, Y., Cozic, A., and Møller, A. P.: Global transport and deposition of 137Cs following the Fukushima nuclear power plant accident in Japan: Emphasis on Europe and Asia using high–resolution model versions and radiological impact assessment of the human population and the environment using interactive tools, Environ. Sci. Technol., 47, 11, 5803–5812, https://doi.org/10.1021/es400372u, 2013.

  • Fifield, L. K.: Accelerator mass spectrometry of long-lived heavy radionuclides, Radioact. Environ., 11, 263–293, https://doi.org/10.1016/S1569-4860(07)11008-1, 2008.

  • Fowler, S., Buat-Menard, P., Yokoyama, Y., Ballestra, S., Holm, E., and Van Nguyen, H.: Rapid removal of Chernobyl fallout from Mediterranean surface waters by biological activity, Nature, 329, 56–58, https://doi.org/10.1038/329056a0, 1987.

  • Garcia-Orellana, J., Sanchez-Cabeza, J. A., Masqué, P., Àvila, A., Costa, E., Loÿe-Pilot, M. D., and Bruach-Menchén, J. M.: Atmospheric fluxes of 210Pb to the western Mediterranean Sea and the Saharan dust influence, J. Geophys. Res., 111, D15305, https://doi.org/10.1029/2005JD006660, 2006.

  • Gerasopoulos, E., Zanis, P., Papastefanou, C., Zerefos, C. S., Ioannidou, A., and Wernli H.: A complex case study of down to the surface intrusions of persistent stratospheric air over the Eastern Mediterranean, Atmos. Environ., 40, 4113–4125, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosenv.2006.03.022, 2006.

  • Giorgi, F., and Raffaele, F.: The climate of the Mediterranean region and future projections in relation to air quality issues, In: F. Dulac, S. Sauvage, & E. Hamonou (Eds.), Atmospheric Chemistry in the Mediterranean Region (Vol. 1, Background Information and Pollutant Distribution), Springer, this volume (pp. 61–76), https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-12741-0_3, 2023.

  • Gkikas, A., Basart, S., Hatzianastasiou, N., Marinou, E., Amiridis, V., Kazadzis, S., Pey, J., Querol, X., Jorba, O., Gassó, S., and Baldasano, J. M.: Mediterranean intense desert dust outbreaks and their vertical structure on remote sensing data, Atmos. Chem. Phys. 16, 8609–8642, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-8609, 2016.

  • González-Gómez, C., Azahra, M., López-Peñalver, J. J., Camacho-García, A., Bardouni, T. E., and Boukhal, H.: Seasonal variability in 7Be depositional fluxes at Granada, Spain, Appl. Radiat. Isot., 64, 228–234, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apradiso.2005.05.049, 2006.

  • Guerzoni, S., Molinaroli, E., and Chester, R.: Saharan dust inputs to the western Mediterranean Sea: depositional patterns, geochemistry and sedimentological implications, Deep-Sea Res. II, 44, 631–654, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0967-0645(96)00096-3, 1997.

  • Hernandez, F., Rodríguez, S., Karlsson, L., Alonso-Perez, S., Lopez-Perez, M., Hernandez-Armas, J., and Cuevas, E.: Origin of observed high 7Be and mineral dust concentrations in ambient air on the Island of Tenerife, Atmos. Environ., 42, 4247–4256, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosenv.2008.01.017, 2008.

  • Hirose, K., Igarashi, Y., Aoyama, M., Kim, C. S., and Chang, B. W.: Recent trends of plutonium fallout observed in Japan: plutonium as a proxy for desertification, J. Environ. Monitor., 5, 302–307, https://doi.org/10.1039/b212560a, 2003.

  • IAEA: Radiological conditions at the former French nuclear test sites in Algeria: Preliminary assessment and recommendations, Radiological assessment reports series, International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, ISBN 92-0-113304-9, https://www-pub.iaea.org/MTCD/Publications/PDF/Pub1215_web_new.pdf, last access 28 Feb. 2023, 2005.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ioannidou, A., and Paatero, J., Activity size distribution and residence time of 7Be aerosols in the Arctic atmosphere, Atmos. Environ., 88, 99–106, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosenv.2013.12.046, 2014.

  • Ioannidou, A., and Papastefanou, C.: Precipitation scavenging of 7Be and 137Cs radionuclides in air, J. Environ. Radioact., 85, 121–136, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvrad.2005.06.005, 2006.

  • Ioannidou, A., Eleftheriadis, K., Gini, M., Gini, L., Manenti, S., and Groppi, F.: Activity size distribution of radioactive nuclide 7Be at different locations and under different meteorological conditions, Atmos. Environ., 212, 272–280, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvrad.2005.06.005, 2019.

  • Johansen, M. P., Hakonson, T. E., Whicker, F. W., and Breshears, D. D.: Pulsed redistribution of a contaminant following forest fire, J. Environ. Qual., 32, 2150–2157, https://doi.org/10.2134/jeq2003.2150, 2003.

  • Kashparov, V. A., Lundin, S. M., Kadygrib, A. M., Protsak, V. P., Levtchuk, S. E., Yoschenko, V. I., Kashpur, V. A., and Talerko, N. M.: Forest fires in the territory contaminated as a result of the Chernobyl accident: radioactive aerosol resuspension and exposure of fire-fighters, J. Environ. Radioact., 51, 281–298, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0265-931X(00)00082-5, 2000.

  • Krajny, E., Osrodka, L., Wojtylak, M., Pajek, M., and Michalik, B.: An attempt to identify stratosphere-troposphere transport of ozone on the basis of beryllium (7Be) activity concentration, WIT Trans. Ecology Environ., 183, 377–388, https://doi.org/10.2495/AIR140311, 2014.

  • Lambert, G., and Nezami, M.: Determination of the mean residence time in the troposphere by measurement of the ratio between the concentrations of Lead-210 and Polonium-210, Nature, 206, 1343–1344, https://doi.org/10.1038/2061343a0, 1965.

  • Lambert, G., Buisson, A., Sanak, J., and Ardouin, B.: Modification of the atmospheric polonium 210 to lead 210 ratio by volcanic emissions, J. Geophys. Res., 84, 6980–6986, https://doi.org/10.1029/JC084iC11p06980, 1979.

  • Laurent, B., Audoux, T., Bibi, M., Dulac, F., and Bergametti, G.: Mass deposition, In: F. Dulac, S. Sauvage, & E. Hamonou (Eds.), Atmospheric Chemistry in the Mediterranean (Vol. 2, From Air Pollutant Sources to Impacts), Springer, 305–326, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-82385-6_16, 2022.

  • Le Cloarec, M. F., and Pennisi, M.: Radionuclides and sulfur content in Mount Etna plume in 1983–1955: new constraints on the magma feeding system, J. Volcanol. Geoth. Res., 108, 141–155, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0377-0273(00)00282-1, 2001.

  • Lee, S. H., Pham, M. K., and Povinec, P. P.: Radionuclides variations in the air over Monaco, J. Radioanal. Nucl. Chem., 254, 445–453, https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1021625718431, 2002.

  • Lee, H. N., Tositti, L., Zheng, X., and Bonasoni, P.: Analyses and comparisons of variations of 7Be, 210Pb, and 7Be/210Pb with ozone observations at two Global Atmosphere Watch stations from high mountains, J. Geophys. Res., 112, D05303, https://doi.org/10.1029/2006JD007421, 2007.

  • Leppänen, A. P., and Paatero, J.: 7Be in Finland during the 1999–2001 Solar maximum and 2007-2009 Solar minimum, J. Atmos. Sol. Terr. Phys., 97, 1–10, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jastp.2013.01.007, 2013.

  • López-Coto, I., Mas, J. L., and Bolivar, J. P.: A 40-year retrospective European radon flux inventory including climatological variability, Atmos. Environ., 73, 22–33, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosenv.2013.02.043, 2013.

  • Loÿe-Pilot, M. D., and Martin, J. M.: Saharan dust input to the western Mediterranean: an eleven years record in Corsica, in The Impact of Desert Dust Across the Mediterranean, Guerzoni, S., and Chester, R., Eds., Kluwer, 191–196, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-3354-0_18, 1996.

  • Lozano, R. L., Hernandez-Ceballos, M. A., San Miguel, E. G., Adame, J. A., and Bolívar, J. P.: Meteorological factors influencing the 7Be and 210Pb concentrations in surface air from southwestern Iberian Peninsula, Atmos. Environ., 63, 168–178, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosenv.2012.09.052, 2012.

  • Mann, M., Beer, J., Steinhilber, F., Abreu, J. A., Christl, M., and Kubik, P. W.: Variations in the depositional fluxes of cosmogenic beryllium on short time scales, Atmos. Environ., 45, 2836–2841, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosenv.2011.03.005, 2011.

  • Manohar, S. N., Meijer, H. A. J., and Herber, M. A.: Radon flux maps for the Netherlands and Europe using terrestrial gamma radiation derived from soil radionuclides, Atmos. Environ., 81, 399–412, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosenv.2013.09.005, 2013.

  • Marinou, E., Amiridis, V., Binietoglou, I., Tsikerdekis, A., Solomos, S., Proestakis, E., Konsta, D., Papagiannopoulos, N., Tsekeri, A., Vlastou, G., Zanis, P., Balis, D., Wandinger, U., and Ansmann, A.: Three-dimensional evolution of Saharan dust transport towards Europe based on a 9-year EARLINET-optimized CALIPSO dataset, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 17, 5893–5919, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-5893-2017, 2017.

  • Marshall, S., Potter C., and Medich, D.: Reassessment of resuspension factor following radionuclide dispersal: toward a general-purpose rate constant, Health Phys., 114, 500–506, https://doi.org/10.1097/HP.0000000000000802, 2018.

  • Masson, O., Piga, D., Le Roux, G., Mary, J., de Vismes-Ott, A., Gurriaran, R., Renaud, Ph., Saey, L., and Paulat, P.: Recent trends and explanation for airborne 137Cs activity level increases in France, Radioprotection, 44, 327–332, https://doi.org/10.1051/radiopro/20095064, 2009.

  • Masson, O., Piga, D., Gurriaran, R., and D’Amico, D.: Impact of an exceptional Saharan dust outbreak in France: PM10 and artificial radionuclides concentrations in air and in dust deposit, Atmos. Environ., 44, 2478–2486, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosenv.2010.03.004, 2010.

  • Masson, O., Pourcelot, L., Boulet, B., Cagnat, X., and Videau, G.: Environmental releases from fuel cycle facility: Part 1: Radionuclide resuspension vs. stack releases on ambient airborne uranium and thorium levels, J. Environ. Radioact., 141, 146–152, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvrad.2014.12.009, 2015.

  • Masson, O., Romanenko, O., Saunier, O., Kirieiev, S., Protsak, V., Laptev, G., Voitsekhovych, O., Durand, V., Coppin, F., Steinhauser, G., de Vismes Ott, A., Renaud, P., Damien, D., Boulet, B., Morin, M., Hýža, M., Camps, J., Belyaeva, O., Dalheimer, A., Eleftheriadis, K., Gascó-Leonarte, C., Ioannidou, A., Isajenko, K., Karhunen, T., Kastlander, J., Katzlberger, C., Kierepko, R., Knetsch, G.-J., Kónyi, J. K., Mietelski, J. W., Mirsch, M., Møller, B., Nikolić, J. K., Povinec, P. P., Rusconi, R., Samsonov, V., Sýkora, I., Simion, E., Steinmann, P., Stoulos, S., Suarez-Navarro, J. A., Wershofen, H., Zapata-García, D., and Zorko, B.: Europe-wide atmospheric radionuclide dispersion by unprecedented wildfires in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, April 2020, Environ. Sci. Technol., 55, 13834–13848, https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.1c03314, 2021.

  • Middleton, N. J.: Desert dust hazards: a global review, Aeolian Res., 24, 53–63, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aeolia.2016.12.001, 2017.

  • Moore, H. E., Poet, S. E., and Martell, E. A.: 222Rn, 210Pb, 210Bi, and 210Po profiles and aerosol residence times versus altitude, J. Geophys. Res., 78, 7065–7075, https://doi.org/10.1029/JC078i030p07065, 1973.

  • Noureddine, A., Baggoura, B, Larosa, J. J., Vajda, N.: Gamma and alpha emitting radionuclides in some Algerian soil samples, Appl. Radiat. Isot., 48, 1145–1148, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0969-8043(97)00046-8, 1997.

  • Paliouris, G., Taylor H. W., Wein R. W., Svoboda J., and Mierzynski B.: Fire as an agent in redistributing fallout 137Cs in the Canadian boreal forest, Sci. Total Environ., 160/161, 153–166, https://doi.org/10.1016/0048-9697(95)04353-3, 1995.

  • Papastefanou, C.: Residence time of tropospheric aerosols in association with radioactive nuclides, Appl. Radiat. Isot., 64, 93–100, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apradiso.2005.07.006, 2006.

  • Papastefanou, C., and Ioannidou, A.: Aerodynamic size association of 7Be in ambient aerosols, J. Environ. Radioact., 26, 273–282, https://doi.org/10.1016/0265-931X(94)00011-K, 1995.

  • Papastefanou, C., Manolopoulou, M., Stoulos, S., Ioannidou, A., and Gerasopoulos, E.: Coloured rain dust from Sahara is still radioactive, Technical note, J. Environ. Radioact., 55, 109–112, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0265-931X(00)00182-X, 2001.

  • Pazukhin, E. M., Borovoi, A. A., and Ogorodnikov B. I.: Forest fire as a factor of Environmental redistribution of radionuclides originating from Chernobyl accident, Radiochem., 46, 102–106, https://doi.org/10.1023/B:RACH.0000024626.18850.22, 2004.

  • Pham, M. K., La Rosa, J. J., Lee, S. H., Oregioni, B., and Povinec P. P.: Deposition of Saharan dust in Monaco rain 2001-2002: Radionuclides and elemental composition. Phys. Scripta, T118, 14–17, https://doi.org/10.1238/Physica.Topical.118a00014, 2005.

  • Pham, M. K., Chamizo, E., Lopéz-Lora, M., Martín, J., Osvath, I., and Povinec, P. P.: Impact of Saharan dust events on radionuclides in the atmosphere, seawater, and sediments of the northwest Mediterranean Sea, J. Environ. Radioact., 214–215, 106157, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvrad.2020.106157, 2020.

  • Piga, D.: Processus engagés dans la rémanence, au niveau du compartiment atmosphérique, des radionucléides artificiels antérieurement déposés, PhD dissertation, Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire – Université du Sud Toulon Var, 249 pp., https://tel.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-00609509/document, 2010.

  • Piñero-García, F., Ferro-García, M. A., Chham, E., Cobos-Díaz, M., and Gonzalez-Rodelas, P.: A cluster analysis of back trajectories to study the behaviour of radioactive aerosols in the south-east of Spain, J. Environ. Radioact., 147, 142–152, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvrad.2015.05.029, 2015.

  • Pirjola, L., O’Dowd, C. D., Yoon, Y. J., and Sellegri, K.: Modelling iodine particle formation and growth from seaweed in a chamber, Environ. Chem., 2, 271–281, https://doi.org/10.1071/EN05075, 2005.

  • Preiss, N., Mélières, M.-A., and Pourchet, M.: A compilation of data on lead 210 concentration in surface air and fluxes at the air-surface and water-sediment interfaces, J. Geophys. Res., 101, 28847–28862, https://doi.org/10.1029/96JD01836, 1996.

  • Renaud, P., and Louvat, D.: Magnitude of fission product depositions from atmospheric nuclear weapon test fallout in France, Health Phys., 86, 353–358, https://doi.org/10.1097/00004032-200404000-00003, 2004.

  • Rigby, M., Timmis, R., and Toumi, R.: Similarities of the boundary layer ventilation and particulate matter roses, Atmos. Environ., 40, 5112–5124, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosenv.2006.01.037, 2006.

  • San-Miguel-Ayanz, J., Schulte, E., Schmuck, G., Camia, A., Strobl, P., Liberta, G., Giovando, C., Boca, R., Sedano, F., Kempeneers, P., McInerney, D., Withmore, C., Santos de Oliveira, S., Rodrigues, M., Durrant, T., Corti, P., Oehler, F., Vilar, L. and Amatulli, G.: Comprehensive monitoring of wildfires in Europe: The European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS), in Approaches to Managing Disaster – Assessing Hazards, Emergencies and Disaster Impacts, Tiefenbacher, J., Ed., ISBN 978-953-51-0294-6, InTech, 87–108, https://doi.org/10.5772/28441, 2012.

  • Santschi, P. H., Schwehr, K. A.: 129I/127I as a new environmental tracer or geochronometer for biogeochemical or hydrodynamic processes in the hydrosphere and geosphere: the central role of organo-iodine, Sci. Total Environ., 321, 257–271, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2003.09.003, 2004.

  • Shenber, M. A., Elshamis, E. E., Bader, A. R., Elayan, M. N., and Elkikli, A. T.: Measurement of radioactivity levels of the Sirt gulf, Libya, Int. J. Environ. Stud., 58, 625–629, https://doi.org/10.1080/00207230108711355, 2001.

  • Steinmann, P., Zeller, M., Beuret, P., Ferreri, G., and Estier, S.: Cosmogenic 7Be and 22Na in ground level air in Switzerland (1994–2011), J. Environ. Radioact., 124, 68–73, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvrad.2013.03.012, 2013.

  • Stoulos, S., Ioannidou, A., Vagena, E., Koseoglou, P., and Manolopoulou, M.: Post-Chernobyl 137Cs in the atmosphere of Thessaloniki: a consequence of the financial crisis in Greece, J. Environ. Radioact., 128, 68–74, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvrad.2013.11.007, 2014.

  • Stoulos, S., Besis, A., Ioannidou, A.: Determination of low 137Cs concentration in the atmosphere due to Chernobyl contaminated forest-wood burning, J. Environ. Radioact., 222, 106383, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvrad.2020.106383, 2020.

  • Tositti, L., Brattich, E., Cinelli, G., and Baldacci, D.: 12 years of 7Be and 210Pb in Mt. Cimone, and their correlation with meteorological parameters, Atmos. Environ., 87, 104–122, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosenv.2014.01.014, 2014.

  • Turekian, K. K., and Holland, H. D.: Treatise on Geochemistry: Second Edition, Elsevier, 1, 1–80, https://doi.org/10.1016/C2009-1-28473-5, 2013.

  • Vargas, A., Arnold, D., Adame, J. A., Grossi, C., Hernández-Ceballos, M. A., and Bolivar, J. P.: Analysis of the vertical radon structure at the Spanish “El Arenosillo” tower station, J. Environ. Radioact., 139, 1–17, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvrad.2014.09.018, 2015.

  • Vecchi, R., Marcazzan, G., and Valli, G.: Seasonal variation of 210Pb activity concentration in outdoor air of Milan (Italy), J. Environ. Radioact., 82, 251–266, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvrad.2004.12.008, 2005.

  • Vogt, R., Sander, R., von Glasow, R., and Crutzen, P. J.: Iodine chemistry and its role in halogen activation and ozone loss in the marine boundary layer: A model study, J. Atmos. Chem., 32, 375–395, https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1006179901037, 1999.

  • Williams, A. G., Zahorowski, W., Chambers, S., Griffiths, A., Hacker, J. M., Element, A., and Werczynski, S.: The vertical distribution of radon in clear and cloudy daytime terrestrial boundary layers, J. Atmos. Sci., 68, 155–174, https://doi.org/10.1175/2010JAS3576.1, 2011.

  • Wotawa, G., De Geer, L.-E., Becker, A., D’Amours, R., Jean, M., Servranckx, R., and Ungar, K.: Inter- and intra-continental transport of radioactive cesium released by boreal forest fires, Geophys. Res., Lett., 33, L12806, https://doi.org/10.1029/2006GL026206, 2006.

  • Yoschenko, I., Kashparov, V. A., Protsak, V. P., Lundin, S. M., Levchuk, S. E., Kadygrib, A. M., Zvarich, S. I., Khomutinin, Yu. V., Maloshtan, I. M., Lanshin, V. P., Kovtun, M. V., and Tschiersch, J.: Resuspension and redistribution of radionuclides during grassland and forest fires in the Chernobyl exclusion zone: part I. Fire experiments, J. Environ. Radioact., 86, 143–163, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvrad.2005.08.003, 2006.

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), BP 3, F-13115 St-Paul-lez-Durance, France

    Olivier Masson & Laurent Pourcelot

  2. EcoLab, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, 118 Route de Narbonne, F-31400 Toulouse, France

    Gaël Leroux

  3. Ecole Nationale Supérieure Agronomique de Toulouse (ENSAT), Avenue de l’Agrobiopole, Auzeville-Tolosane, F-31326 Castanet-Tolosan, France

    Gaël Leroux

Authors
  1. Olivier Masson
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Gaël Leroux
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Laurent Pourcelot
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Olivier Masson .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. CEA Saclay, Paris, France

    François Dulac

  2. IMT Lille Douai, Douai, France

    Stéphane Sauvage

  3. Science Partners, Paris, France

    Eric Hamonou

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2023 The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG

About this chapter

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this chapter

Masson, O., Leroux, G., Pourcelot, L. (2023). Anthropogenic and Natural Radionuclides in the Mediterranean Atmospheric System. In: Dulac, F., Sauvage, S., Hamonou, E. (eds) Atmospheric Chemistry in the Mediterranean Region. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-12741-0_12

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation