Abstract:
Based on the survey results of radioactivity levels in seawater,sediments,and marine organisms in a offshore area of Guangdong Province in 2023,this study analyzes the current status and distribution characteristics of radioactivity in the coastal waters,and compares them with radioactivity levels in different marine areas within China.The results show that the levels of U,Th,
226Ra,
90Sr,
137Cs,and kalium-subtracted total beta in offshore seawater are relatively low.Among these,artificial nuclides
90Sr and
137Cs concentrations are far below the limits specified in the
Sea Water Quality Standard (GB 3097-1997) for various seawater quality categories,and are close to the reported values in most marine areas of China.The concentrations of radionuclides U,Th,
226Ra,
90Sr,and
137Cs in sediments are similar to those reported in areas such as the Bohai Sea.The mean distribution coefficients of U,Th,and
137Cs in sediments are lower than the IAEA-recommended values for marginal seas,whereas those of
226Ra and
90Sr are high than the IAEA recommended values.The results of radionuclides U,Th,
226Ra,
90Sr,and
137Cs in marine organism samples from offshore waters are far below the limit values specified in the
Limited Concentrations of Radioactive Substances in Foods (GB 14882-1994).Among the marine organisms,the levels of U in shellfish and oysters,Th,
226Ra,and
90Sr in blue tailed crustaceans,and
137Cs in swordfish are relatively higher than those in other organisms.Compared to IAEA (2004) recommended values,the concentration factors (CF) were lower than the IAEA reference levels,exceptions included the CF for Th in crustaceans and molluscs,as well as the mean CF for
90Sr in fish,crustaceans,cephalopods,and molluscs,and for
137Cs in cephalopods,all of which exceeded the IAEA recommendations.This survey results can provide foundational data for the radioactive assessment of the offshore marine environment in Guangdong Province,supporting local radioactive pollution control,radiation safety management,and nuclear emergency preparedness.