Radiological Concentration Distribution of ¹³¹I, ¹³²I, ¹³³I, ¹³⁴I, and ¹³⁵I Due to a Hypothetical Accident of TRIGA Mark-II Research Reactor

M. A. Malek, K. J. A. Chisty, M. M. Rahman

Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, European University of Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Green University of Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Energy Institute, Atomic Energy Research Establishment, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

DOI: 10.4236/jmp.2012.310194                

Abstract

The present work gives a methodology for assessing radiological concentration of ¹³¹I, ¹³²I, ¹³³I, ¹³⁴I, and ¹³⁵I due to a hypothetical accident of TRIGA Mark-II research Reactor at AERE, Savar, Bangladesh. The concentrations were estimated through different pathways like ingestion of vegetation, milk, and meat from air and ground deposition. The maximum air concentrations for all 16 directions were found at 110 m distance from the core of the reactor and it was found to be highest in the southern (S) direction. The maximum ground concentration occurred immediately just after the accident in different directions. In all pathways, the most concentration was found to be in S-direction. The concentrations in vegetation of ¹³¹I, ¹³³I, ¹³⁵I were significant, while no concentrations of 132I and 134I were observed. The concentration in vegetation for ¹³¹I was found to be highest than all other isotopes of iodine. The concentrations of ¹³³I were found to be higher and concentrations of ¹³⁴I were observed to be lower in both milk and meat compared to other radio isotopes of iodine. In the case of a radiological accident, the results of the present study will be a valuable guide for adopting radiological safety measures for radiation protection against the ingestion of vegetables, milk and meat from around the research reactor at AERE, Savar, Bangladesh.

Keywords

Concentration; Effective Stack Height; Pathway; S-Direction; TRIGA Mark-II

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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