(super 14) C sources and distribution in the vicinity of La Hague nuclear reprocessing plant; Part II, Marine environment.

Abstract

Carbon dioxide partial pressure and radiocarbon activity were measured in air and seawater in the Bay of Seine and around the COGEMA-La Hague nuclear reprocessing plant (northwest France) during 3 cruises in 2000 and 2002. Results clearly show that the sea is a source of CO (sub 2) and (super 14) C to the atmosphere. High (super 14) C concentrations in air and water related to the La Hague liquid waste are clearly recorded. For the restricted area of the Bay of Seine, CO (sub 2) carbon and (super 14) C fluxes were estimated, indicating that less than 3% of the liquid (super 14) C release is introduced in the atmosphere.