180 



radioactivity •ntarlng from Russian rivers that empty into th« 



Arctic- 



/ 

 More data needs to be gathered to determine the 



concentrations and characteristics of the radionuclides present 



in the Arctic. In addition, the behavior of the various isotopes 



in Arctic waters and sediments needs to be evaluated to include 



such parameters as sediment erosion velocities, water/ sediment 



peirtitioning coefficients (K^) , benthic bioturbation, prevailing 



currents and ocean circulation patterns in, for' example, the 



Barents and Kara Seas. 



Also of peirticulzir importance are potential biological 

 transfer path%rays to man — including any "short circuit" 

 mechanisms similar to the lich^oto'carlboa transfer of 

 radionuclides on land. 



K concerted and systematic monitoring program, coupled with 

 appropriate transport models, cotild provide many of the answers 

 regarding the iinpact from the inventory of radionuclides in the 

 Arctic environment. Russian marine scientists are currently 

 coordinating %rlth Norwegian marine scientists to conduct a 

 survey, using a finsslan oceanographlc vessel, of the Barents and 

 Kara Seas in August/ September 1992. EPA is currently trying to 

 place a scientist on board this vessel, or at a minimum, to 

 obtain sediment samples for radiochemical and geochemical 

 analysis at EPA laboratories. This effort could provide 

 information to help determine the levels of radioactivity that 

 may have resulted from disposal of reactor vessels from the 



