Survey of 14C emitted from the Fukushima Atomic Power Plant (I) accident in 2011

Abstract

A large amount of radioisotopes have been emitted from the Fukushima Atomic Power Plant (I) damaged heavily by the Tsunami induced after the heavy earthquake on March 11, 2011. By analyses of radioactivity of atmospheric aerosols, surface soils and living plants, radionuclides and their respective amounts have been estimated. On the other hand, concerning radiocarbon (14C) emissions during the accident, 14C chemical compositions and their amounts have not been estimated. It is difficult to get 14C samples near the power plant, because the areas are restricted for normal persons. We have collected marine 14C samples from the seashore located 20-30 km south of the power plant in 2012. We also collected plant samples for 14C measurements at the Kanayagawa Campus of Fukushima University. Part of the samples measured for 14C so far indicate that evidences of 14C increase in environmental samples after the accident have not be certified.