Frightening discovery in Chernobyl: Found 40 years after the disaster

Nearly 40 years have passed since the explosion at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in 1986. However, new research by scientists revealed that the radioactive legacy of the disaster is not over yet. Researchers determined that some radioactive fuel particles released into the environment during the explosion were much more stable than expected and largely preserved their original structure.

Researchers at Leibniz University Hannover and Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf examined six radioactive particles with diameters between 8 and 50 micrometers. The findings revealed that some particles were more durable than expected.

The researchers published their results in the Journal of Hazardous Materials. “Our findings show that Chernobyl fuel particles serve as highly persistent reservoirs for nuclear fission products and actinides in the environment,” the study said.

RADIOACTIVE PARTICLES WERE DIVIDED INTO THREE GROUPS

Tobias Weissenborn, author of the study, explained that the fuel particles examined were divided into three different groups.

The particles in the first group had properties similar to uranium dioxide found in nuclear fuel. Some of the particles in the second group were covered with or fused with the zirconium layer.

Particles in the third group were formed when the reactor's graphite moderator ignited and burned for about 10 days. The fire caused the fuel to convert into different oxides of uranium.

PARTICLES CAN BE CARRIED BY THE WIND

The researchers used X-ray diffraction to examine the internal structure of the particles. Analysis showed that some particles retained much of their original structure despite being exposed to environmental conditions for decades.

Some particles can break down into microscopic dust over time. These dusts can be carried by the wind. Inhaling radioactive particles can also pose a serious health risk.

According to scientists, the durable structure of the particles is important for understanding the long-term effects of radioactive substances around Chernobyl.

MORE INVESTIGATION IS NEEDED

The researchers emphasized that the study was not sufficient to reach definitive conclusions about the health risks around Chernobyl. The study only includes six particles taken from two different points. Therefore, it is not possible to generalize the results to the entire region.

"And even if we get some averages at some point, we cannot make universal statements about health risks in the region," Weissenborn said, stating that more samples need to be examined.

According to the researcher, even if some particles decay over time, more durable ones may persist and release radioactive material into the environment.