Temporal and spatial dispersion of potential radiological pollution in the atmosphere at Akkuyu, İnceburun and İğneada nuclear power plant sites

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.35208/ert.1655320

Keywords:

Akkuyu, İnceburun, İğneada, nuclear pollution

Abstract

The dispersion of radionuclides causing nuclear pollution in the atmosphere poses significant life-threatening risks, and the effects of these isotopes continue for prolonged periods, depending on their half-lives. This study aims to reveal the temporal and spatial dispersion in the atmosphere of potential pollution that may occur near three nuclear power plant sites of Türkiye. The study utilized satellite-based data. In the analysis of the vertical dispersion of radiological pollution in the atmosphere, the Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications, Version-2 planetary boundary layer data was used, while Global Wind Atlas wind data was employed to determine transport directions and potential dry-wet deposition areas. According to the research findings, the annual average height that potential radiological pollution may reach in the atmosphere around Akkuyu is 614.4 m. The transport direction and potential dry-wet deposition areas, shaped by the prevailing wind direction, are located in the northeastern region of the power plant site. The annual average height that radionuclides may reach in the atmosphere around İnceburun is 580.3 meters. The coastal zone located in the southeast of the site is the area that is likely to be most affected by plume transport. Around İğneada, the annual average height that plumes may reach in the atmosphere is 586.9 meters. The potential transport direction and possible dry-wet deposition areas, depending on northern winds, are the lands located to the south of the power plant.

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Published

2026-06-05

How to Cite

Canbulat, O. (2026). Temporal and spatial dispersion of potential radiological pollution in the atmosphere at Akkuyu, İnceburun and İğneada nuclear power plant sites. Environmental Research and Technology, 9(3), 425–436. https://doi.org/10.35208/ert.1655320

Issue

Vol. 9 No. 3 (2026)

Section

Research Articles

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