Radionuclides and microelements in natural waters in the zone of a uranium-vanadium deposit (Republic of Karelia)

The results of studies performed in the area of a uranium-vanadium deposit are used to characterize the concentration and distribution of microelements and radionuclides in water, soil, and fish. The exposure rate on the surface of the examined samples is found to be equal to 15–20 μr/h, i.e., to lie at the background level, which means that these samples are not an external radiation hazard for population. Concentrations of U and V in water somewhat greater than background values were recorded, though they are lower than MAC for fishery water bodies. The collected data show that a delicate equilibrium has formed in this territory, although the hydrochemical characteristics have not changed within the recent 40 years, and radionuclide content of water, soil, bottom sediments, and fish are at an extremely low level.