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The nutritional value of raw materials is determined by a set of indicators that define the biological value of protein, lipids, mineral composition, and safety. Therefore, their investigation in the meat of one of Ukraine's aquaculture species - the clariid catfish - is relevant. The purpose of the study was to investigate the biological value of protein, lipids, mineral composition, and safety of catfish meat when grown in Ukraine and evaluate these indicators in accordance with the recommendations of FAO/WHO. The amino acid composition of the protein was determined by ion exchange liquid-column chromatography on an automatic analyser T 339 (Czech Republic); the fatty acid composition of lipids was determined on a gas chromatograph HRGC 5300 ("Carlo Erba", Italy). The mineral composition of meat was investigated by atomic emission spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma; the content of heavy metals was determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. The study of the amino acid composition of the protein established the presence of all essential amino acids in an amount significantly exceeded in the ideal protein in accordance with FAO/WHO recommendations, which indicates a high biological value. The fatty acid composition of lipids is typical for freshwater fish and catfish lipids from other aquacultures. The biological value of catfish lipids is determined by the ratio of fatty acids of the ω-6/ω-3 families as 1.8:1.0 at the recommended value of 10:5, which indicates the possibility of using lipids of this fish as a source of especially deficient ω-3 fatty acids in the human diet. The low level of polyunsaturated fatty acids and the absence of essential fatty acids eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids gives the basis for developing the design of biologically valuable catfish meat products by enriching it with lipids from marine aquatic organisms. The practical significance of the findings is to obtain original data on the nutritional value of meat from one of the aquaculture species in Ukraine, determine the degree of satisfaction of the daily human need for its consumption, and develop recommendations for rational use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on the modern distribution of 137Cs in soils of different forest site types in black alder (Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaerth.) stands was conducted. In forest litter, there is not a high percentage of its total activity in soil: in moist fairly fertile site type (C3) – 13.4 %, damp fairly fertile site type (C4) – 16.3 %, and wet fairly fertile site type (C5) – 3.8 %. The mineral part of the soil in moist and damp fairly fertile site type is characterized by decreased density of radioactive contamination of soil layers with depth. In wet fairly fertile site type, this indicator increases to a depth of 6 - 8 cm and decreases with further deepening. A 10-cm layer of moist fairly fertile site type (C3) contains 61.8 % of the total radionuclide activity in soil, damp fairly fertile site type (C4) – 68.1%, and wet fairly fertile site type (C5) – 70.1 %, correspondingly; a 20-cm layer has 75.4, 78.3, 91.9 % and a 30-cm layer – 80.9, 82.2, 96.0 % of the total radionuclide activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The results of the analysis of the radiation state of environmental objects in the sanitary protection zone (SPZ) and surveillance zone (SZ) of the research nuclear reactor (RNR) WWR-M of the Institute for Nuclear Research of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (INR) for 2021 are analyzed and compared with the data for previous years (from 2016 to 2020). The levels of total beta activity of sedimentary dust and atmospheric precipitation and wastewater from the main reservoirs of INR, the concentration of beta-active aerosols in the surface layer of atmospheric air, as well as the content of 137Cs radionuclide in soil and vegetation samples, were studied. The research was conducted in the laboratory of the Center for Ecological Problems of Atomic Energy of INR. The obtained results show that in 2021 there was no excess of the values of controlled parameters compared to previous years. There was also no significant difference in the specific activity of the radionuclide 137Cs in soil and vegetation samples from SPZ and ZS. Studies conducted in the period from 2016 to 2021, allowed to accumulate significant factual material on the radiation situation in the sanitary protection zone and surveillance zone and to substantiate the conclusion about the absence of man-made radioactive contamination of the environment due to the operation of RNR WWR-M of INR of NAS of Ukraine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relevance of the work is determined by the absence of documents on the problems of observation zones of nuclear power plants, including the organization and monitoring of environmental objects in Ukraine. The purpose of the study was to assess the state of radioactive contamination of the environmental objects of the observation zone of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. To accomplish the tasks, we analyzed the data of the laboratory control performed by the external radiation monitoring laboratory of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant and the data of the State Institution «Zaporizhzhia Regional Laboratory Center of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine». The obtained results allow us to draw the conclusions that in the environmental objects (water of the Kakhovsky reservoir, atmospheric air, soil, drinking water) of the observation zone of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, the main dose-forming radionuclides were identified. It is established that their levels are not uniform, and the identified instability indicates the need for continuous laboratory monitoring of the content of cesium and strontium and the need to monitor the impact on health of the residents of the observation area. It is necessary to improve radiation monitoring through the development and implementation of new methodological documents and regulations on the organization of laboratory control, justification of its frequency and the required amount of laboratory research, which will allow to establish the true impact on public health in these areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The levels of radioactive contamination by artificial radiocesium (Cs) were evaluated in sediments and the commonest species of water plants. Specimens were collected from a range of biotopes along the Pinios River and its tributaries, during the years 1998 and 2010. The Cs concentrations within the above period clearly indicate that this radionuclide still decrease in the River Pinios. A marked decrease is also observed in comparison to our previous results in 1993. Cs concentration activities in the sediment are higher than in the plant material. In general, roots showed greater Cs concentration than leaves, while stems showed the lowest concentration. Significant differences in Cs concentrations were found among different species growing under similar environmental conditions. Cs content in collected aquatic plants was in the descending order: Ceratophyllum demersum L. > Myriophyllum spicatum L. > Paspalum pasalodes Scribner > Cladophora glomerata L. > Cyperus longus L. > Potamogeton nodosus Poiret. A comparison of the studied stations indicated that the southwest side of Thessalia plain, where the first two initial sampling stations of the Pinios River and the tributaries Enipeas and Kalentzis are situated, was highly contaminated. Low Cs concentrations were observed in the Titarisios tributary, originated from the northeast part of Thessalia plain, behind Mt. Olympus and the last sampling stations of the Pinios River. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a research paper looking at the migration and environmental and agricultural impacts from the 1968 Chernobyl nuclear accident in the Ukraine. The authors describe the migration of the radioisotopes into the environment and says it made a big impact on agriculture as the people ate the produce that was farmed in the affected region and had radionuclides in them. Countermeasures are described that were taken to protect the food source and the people. The research suggests that acceptable levels of contamination for humans is also the acceptable level for biota.

This article discusses the dispersal, deposition and collective doses of the radioactive fallout from the Chernobyl accident. It explains that, although Belarus, Ukraine and Russia were heavily contaminated by the Chernobyl fallout, more than half of the fallout was deposited outside these countries, particularly in Western Europe. Indeed, about 40 per cent of the surface area of Europe was contaminated. Collective doses are predicted to result in 30,000 to 60,000 excess cancer deaths throughout the northern hemisphere, mostly in western Europe. The article also estimates that the caesium-137 source term was about a third higher than official figures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The evaluation of 131I air and ground contamination field formation in the territory of Ukraine was made using the model of atmospheric transport LEDI (Lagrangian–Eulerian DIffusion model). The 131I atmospheric transport over the territory of Ukraine was simulated during the first 12 days after the accident (from 26 April to 7 May 1986) using real aerological information and rain measurement network data. The airborne 131I concentration and ground deposition fields were calculated as the database for subsequent thyroid dose reconstruction for inhabitants of radioactive contaminated regions. The small-scale deposition field variability is assessed using data of 137Cs detailed measurements in the territory of Ukraine. The obtained results are compared with available data of radioiodine daily deposition measurements made at the network of meteorological stations in Ukraine and data of the assessments of 131I soil contamination obtained from the 129I measurements. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This work is devoted to the reconstruction of time-dependent radioactive contamination fields in the territory of Ukraine in the initial period of the Chernobyl accident using the model of atmospheric transport LEDI (Lagrangian–Eulerian DIffusion model). The modelling results were compared with available 137Cs air and ground contamination measurement data. The 137Cs atmospheric transport over the territory of Ukraine was simulated during the first 12 days after the accident (from 26 April to 7 May 1986) using real aerological information and rain measurement network data. The detailed scenario of the release from the accidental unit of the Chernobyl nuclear plant has been built (including time-dependent radioactivity release intensity and time-varied height of the release). The calculations have enabled to explain the main features of spatial and temporal variations of radioactive contamination fields over the territory of Ukraine on the regional scale, including the formation of the major large-scale spots of radioactive contamination caused by dry and wet deposition. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Five soil profiles from a site about 8 km SE of the Chernobyl NPP were investigated for the vertical distribution of radionuclides. The average 137Cs-inventory at the site is about 2.6 MBq/m2 (reference date 1 May 1986). Apart from 137Cs, the following radionuclides have been identified (their activity ratios to 137Cs in brackets): 134Cs (0.537), 125Sb (0.068), 60Co (0.0022), 154Eu (0.016), 155Eu (0.020), 94gNb (9.5E-5), 239/240Pu (0.0088), 238Pu (0.040), 90Sr (0.30) and 241Am (0.011). Apparent vertical migration velocities are between 0.14 and 0.26 cm/a, apparent dispersion coefficients range from 0.02 to 0.13 cm2/a. The rankings of the velocities v for different radionuclides are (Sr, Cs, Sb, Co, Pu) and Sr<(Cs, Nb), for D, the following rankings have been found: (Nb, Sr, Cs), Cs and Nb (all on p=0.1 level). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The results of studies of radionuclide contamination of the soils in the western part of the territory of Shatsk National Natural Park (ShNNP), Volyn region, Ukraine, performed during 1994–2001 are presented. Based on the experimental results, the three-dimensional plot of the 137Cs density contamination for the soils at the territory under investigation has been constructed. The monitoring during 1994–2001 of the 137Cs vertical distributions in the different kinds of soils from the Park and the forecasting of the distribution changes of the depth down to 50 cm for the sod loamy sandy gleyed loamy sand soil of the Park up to 2086 have been performed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

From early April 2020, wildfires raged in the highly contaminated areas around the Chernobyl nuclear power plant (CNPP), Ukraine. For about 4 weeks, the fires spread around and into the Chernobyl exclusion zone (CEZ) and came within a few kilometers of both the CNPP and radioactive waste storage facilities. Wildfires occurred on several occasions throughout the month of April. They were extinguished, but weather conditions and the spread of fires by airborne embers and smoldering fires led to new fires starting at different locations of the CEZ. The forest fires were only completely under control at the beginning of May, thanks to the tireless and incessant work of the firefighters and a period of sustained precipitation. In total, 0.7-1.2 TBq 137 Cs were released into the atmosphere. Smoke plumes partly spread south and west and contributed to the detection of airborne 137 Cs over the Ukrainian territory and as far away as Western Europe. The increase in airborne 137 Cs ranged from several hundred μBq·m -3 in northern Ukraine to trace levels of a few μBq·m -3 or even within the usual background level in other European countries. Dispersion modeling determined the plume arrival time and was helpful in the assessment of the possible increase in airborne 137 Cs concentrations in Europe. Detections of airborne 90 Sr (emission estimate 345-612 GBq) and Pu (up to 75 GBq, mostly 241 Pu) were reported from the CEZ. Americium-241 represented only 1.4% of the total source term corresponding to the studied anthropogenic radionuclides but would have contributed up to 80% of the inhalation dose.

The recent events at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in Japan have raised questions over the effects of radiation in the environment. This article considers what we have learned about the radiological consequences for the environment from the Chernobyl accident, Ukraine, in April 1986. The literature offers mixed opinions of the long-term impacts on wildlife close to the Chernobyl plant, with some articles reporting significant effects at very low dose rates (below natural background dose rate levels in, for example, the United Kingdom). The lack of agreement highlights the need for further research to establish whether current radiological protection criteria for wildlife are adequate (and to determine if there are any implications for human radiological protection). Integr Environ Assess Manag 2011;7:371-373. © 2011 SETAC [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The contamination in the near exclusion zone of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant (ChNPP) with 90 Sr, 238-240 Pu and 241 Am is associated with irradiated nuclear fuel particles. Fit for purpose models enabling long term prediction of mobility and bioavailability of particle-associated radionuclides are crucial for radiation protection of humans and the environment, as well as for planning of remediation measures and future land use. In the present work, a dynamic fuel particle dissolution model developed in 1999-2002 is described and validated using data based on sampling in 2015. The model is based on the characterization of the radionuclide source term of the waste in a shallow sub-surface radioactive waste storage, trench #22, in the Chernobyl Pilot Site (CPS) located in the Red Forest, 2.5 km west of the ChNPP, as well as the description of physical and chemical properties of the fuel particles and subsequent radionuclide leaching into the soil solution. Transformation rate constants of the fuel particle dissolution model related to topsoil, radioactive waste trench and submerged materials, and drained cooling pond sediments, should largely control the mobility and bioavailability of radionuclides (e.g., solubility in the soil, migration to groundwater and transfer to plants). The predicting power of the Chernobyl fuel particle dissolution model with respect to radionuclide leaching dynamics was validated using samples from the same experimental site, showing that predicted particle leaching and subsequent mobility and bioavailability were within 46 ± 3% of the observed data. Therefore, linking source- and release-scenario dependent characteristics of radioactive particles to their potential weathering can provide information that can be implemented in impact assessments models for existing contaminated areas as well as for future events., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: The development of effective environmental management programs requires an appropriate assessment of the current state of the environment and contributes to anticipating future changes in the state of the environment. Obtaining such information is one of the main objectives of monitoring the environment, which is subject to anthropogenic stress, including radiological contamination. The distribution of radionuclides and their ability to migrate in ecological chains and concentration in individual parts requires special control in contaminated areas., Objective: The purpose of the study was to analyze the content of radionuclides ( 137Cs and 90Sr) in soils near the settlements of the zone of radioactive contamination of the Volyn region and their spatial differentiation. Priority is given to agricultural lands, soils, crop products, which necessitates the organization of targeted monitoring of the agro industrial complex., Material and Methods: Radioactivity from 137Cs and 90Sr in the soil originating in the Volyn region was studied from 1996 to 2018. Radiation control was carried out on the area of 59852 ha (arable land - 38897 ha, meadows and pastures - 20955 ha)., Results: A significant part of the study area has elevated levels of radioactive contamination. The density of radionuclide contamination of agricultural soils in the settlements of the region has been determined. Density of pollution of all surveyed agricultural lands 137Cs ranges from 0.01 to 2.826 Ci/km2, and 90Sr from 0.01 to 0.048 Ci/km2., Conclusions: The radiological situation in the Volyn region (Ukraine) remains stable. There are slight fluctuations of 137Cs and 90Sr, which is due to changes in weather conditions, which leads to an increase or decrease in groundwater and as a consequence - the migration of radionuclides. The most polluted were the soils of administrative districts of Manevychi and Liubeshiv., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest - None declared, (© Copyright by the National Institute of Public Health - National Institute of Hygiene.)

Chernobyl and Fukushima were subjected to radionuclide (RN) contamination that has led to environmental problems. In order to explore the ability of microorganisms to survive in these environments, we used a combined 16S rRNA and metagenomic approach to describe the prokaryotic community structure and metabolic potential over a gradient of RN concentrations (137Cs 1680-0.4 and 90Sr 209.1-1.9 kBq kg-1) in soil samples. The taxonomic results showed that samples with low 137Cs content (37.8-0.4 kBq kg-1) from Fukushima and Chernobyl clustered together. In order to determine the effect of soil chemical parameters such as organic carbon (OC), Cesium-137 (137Cs) and Strontium-90 (90Sr) on the functional potential of microbial communities, multiple predictor model analysis using piecewiseSEM was carried out on Chernobyl soil metagenomes. The model identified 46 genes that were correlated to these parameters of which most have previously been described as mechanisms used by microorganisms under stress conditions. This study provides a baseline taxonomic and metagenomic dataset for Fukushima and Chernobyl, respectively, including physical and chemical characteristics. Our results pave the way for evaluating the possible RN selective pressure that might contribute to shaping microbial community structure and their functions in contaminated soils., (© FEMS 2019.)

Wildlife inhabiting environments contaminated by radionuclides face putative detrimental effects of exposure to ionizing radiation, with biomarkers such as an increase in DNA damage and/or oxidative stress commonly associated with radiation exposure. To examine the effects of exposure to radiation on gene expression in wildlife, we conducted a de novo RNA sequencing study of liver and spleen tissues from a rodent, the bank vole Myodes glareolus. Bank voles were collected from the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone (CEZ), where animals were exposed to elevated levels of radionuclides, and from uncontaminated areas near Kyiv, Ukraine. Counter to expectations, we did not observe a strong DNA damage response in animals exposed to radionuclides, although some signs of oxidative stress were identified. Rather, exposure to environmental radionuclides was associated with upregulation of genes involved in lipid metabolism and fatty acid oxidation in the livers - an apparent shift in energy metabolism. Moreover, using stable isotope analysis, we identified that fur from bank voles inhabiting the CEZ had enriched isotope values of nitrogen: such an increase is consistent with increased fatty acid metabolism, but also could arise from a difference in diet or habitat between the CEZ and elsewhere. In livers and spleens, voles inhabiting the CEZ were characterized by immunosuppression, such as impaired antigen processing, and activation of leucocytes involved in inflammatory responses. In conclusion, exposure to low dose environmental radiation impacts pathways associated with immunity and lipid metabolism, potentially as a stress-induced coping mechanism., (© 2019 The Authors. Molecular Ecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Lake ecosystems are efficient 'collectors' for a wide range of radionuclides, which are accumulated by abiotic and biotic components after their input to the aquatic environment. Aquatic vegetation accumulates radionuclides, while annual atrophy of vegetative mass for the most species, in the absence of drainage, leads to an increase of radionuclide accumulation in bottom sediments. This leads to the preservation of a rather high level of radionuclides in the components of stagnant water ecosystems. As a result of global fallout and of the Chornobyl disaster, significant areas of Ukraine are contaminated with (90)Sr and (137)Cs, both of which present a significant radiological risk. Therefore, research into the way these radionuclides behave in freshwater ecosystems is of current interest, particularly following the Fukushima disaster. The present paper covers the study of physicochemical forms of radionuclides in the components of Glyboke Lake, located within the Chornobyl exclusion zone and considered to be one of the most contaminated lakes in the area. Physicochemical forms of radionuclides influence their distribution and solubility among the components of aquatic ecosystems, as well as biological availability for aquatic vegetation and intensity of migration processes. The study of chemical forms was conducted in bottom sediments and typical representatives of aquatic vegetation. The ratio of activity concentrations of (90)Sr and (137)Cs in water, aquatic plants and bottom sediments of Glyboke Lake was quantified. A diversity in distribution of physicochemical forms of radionuclides depending on a nutrition type of the studied aquatic plants was observed., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)