Gorbunova N.S., Gromovik A.I., Devyatova T.A.

The content of natural radionuclides ⁴⁰К, ²²⁶Ra, ²²⁸Th in the chernozems of the Kamennaya Steppe Reserve

The article discusses the results of a study of the content of natural radionuclides (⁴⁰К, ²²⁶Ra, ²²⁸Th) in ordinary chernozems of the Kamennaya Steppe Reserve. The studies were carried out in soils not subject to any anthropogenic impact under the forest belt, as well as mowed and unmowed fallows. The development of nuclear energy, the widespread use of radioactive sources in industry, medicine, and agriculture has led to an increase in the content of not only artificial, but also natural radionuclides. It was revealed that the accumulation of natural radionuclides is determined by the organic matter of soils. In the chernozems under the forest belt, with the highest carbon content of organic compounds, a slightly larger amount of natural radionuclides (⁴⁰К, ²²⁶Ra, ²²⁸Th) is noted. This phenomenon occurs due to selective complexation with soil organic ligands, which are enriched in the studied soils. The highest coefficient of variation is typical for ²²⁶Ra, which indicates the inhomogeneity of the activity of the radionuclide in space. ⁴⁰К and ²²⁸Th are characterized by lower values. The activity of these radionuclides is more uniformly distributed in space. The obtained results are recommended to be used when conducting monitoring studies in order to prevent contamination of the soil cover with radionuclides.

Keywords: CHERNOZEMS, SPECIFIC RADIOACTIVITY, NATURAL RADIONUCLIDES, POTASSIUM, RADIUM, THORIUM, KAMENNAYA STEPPE RESERVE