Emergency Response in Agricultural Industry: Radioecological Lessons from the Kyshtym Accident

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Abstract

The study outlines the various factors that determine the impact of the accident at the “Mayak” chemical plant on agriculture as well as the unique characteristics of the radiation levels in the affected region. In order to guarantee preparedness for any operational response, it is crucial to establish an efficient management structure that can make swift and well-informed decisions. Additionally, having access to emergency plans, prognostic calculation tools, and suitable protocols for handling emergencies are equally essential. These crucial elements are all necessary to ensure that any unexpected event can be addressed promptly and effectively. An analysis of protective measures taken at various times after the Kyshtym accident has been carried out. The paper presents the formulated key takeaways from the Kyshtym accident that pertain to emergency preparedness, the execution of organizational and agrochemical protective measures in agricultural production, and the utilization of accumulated knowledge in both science and practical applications.

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About the authors

Sergey I. Spiridonov

Russian Institute of Radiology and Agroecology of National Research Centre «Kurchatov Institute»

Author for correspondence.
Email: spiridonov.si@gmail.com
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-4320-1254
Russian Federation, Obninsk

Sergey V. Fesenko

Russian Institute of Radiology and Agroecology of National Research Centre «Kurchatov Institute»

Email: corwin_17f@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0003-1238-3689
Russian Federation, Obninsk

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2. Fig. 1. Map-Scheme of the East-Ural Radioactive Trace. Numbers indicate the isolines of the initial density of ⁹⁰Sr contamination, Ci/km² (1 Ci/km² = 37 kBq/m²) [2].

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3. Fig. 2. Changes in the activity fractions of radionuclides in the fallout mixture from the Kyshtym Accident and the dynamics of the gamma radiation exposure dose rate over the first 12 years [2]: 1 – total β-activity; 2 – activity of ¹⁴⁴Ce+¹⁴⁴Pr; 3 – exposure dose rate; 4 – activity of ⁹⁵Zr+⁹⁵Nb; 5 – activity of ⁹⁰Sr+⁹⁰Y; 6 – activity of ¹⁰⁶Ru+¹⁰⁶Rh; 7 – activity of ¹³⁷Cs.

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