Assessment of a radioecological situation in Azerbaijan, based on spectral analyses of radionuclides

Radioecological research studies – that is, studies about radioactivity – in the Absheron Peninsula, Azerbaijan, were launched in 1930–1932, initially based on samples taken from soil, water and underground water. It was determined that the main cause of the radioactive pollution in the area is not limited to the effects of radioactive isotopes of natural origin. Rather, pollution takes place also due to the contamination of oilfields driven by technogenic processes and the contact of water solutions of different mineralisation types with rocks and oilfields. However, complete exploration of the area in those times was not possible because of lack of modern equipment and devices and new technologies. It should be noted that despite the critical ecological situation prevalent in the Absheron Peninsula, no comprehensive studies have been conducted on the radiation level of the area and the diminishing of possible radiation risk among the population living and working in the nearby areas. In this paper, the regularities of the distribution of the radiation background in the territory of the Absheron Peninsula were analysed and the most dangerous areas in terms of dwelling and operating were identified with proposal of necessary measures towards such areas. Moreover, the changing of the radioactive background in relationship with the age and type of soil was determined for the first time based on laboratory analysis of samples taken from the area and the fieldworks conducted. In this paper, the radiation background of the Absheron Peninsula was studied, thus determining not only the areas with an average value of the radiation background at 8.5 μR/h but also the areas where it equalled 400–600 μR/h – that is, the dangerous levels for living and working.