Introduction

A recent study conducted by researchers at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Mumbai, analyzed 20 years of radiological data (2000-2020) from six nuclear power plants in India.
The findings highlight the minimal impact of radioactive discharges from these plants on the environment.
The study aims to reinforce India’s commitment to its nuclear power program, challenging unfounded beliefs and influencing public and policy perspectives.

Radiological Analysis and Plant Selection

Twenty-Year Data: The analysis covered radiological data from 2000 to 2020 from seven nuclear power plants.
Focus on Fission Products: The study focused on concentrations of fission products and neutron-activated nuclides within a 5 km radius of each nuclear plant, considering samples collected up to a maximum radius of 30 km.

Components of Gaseous Waste: The gaseous waste released into the atmosphere included fission product noble gases, Argon-41, radioiodine, and particulate radionuclides (cobalt-60, strontium-90, caesium-137, and tritium).
Liquid Discharge Components: Liquid discharge consisted of fission product radionuclides (radioiodine, tritium, strontium-90, caesium-137) and activation products like cobalt-60.
Strict Regulatory Compliance: The discharges underwent dilution and dispersion, adhering to strict radiological and environmental regulatory regimes.

Air Particulates: Average gross alpha activity in air particulates across all seven nuclear plants remained below 0.1 megabecquerel (mBq) per cubic meter.
Specific Markers: Concentrations of iodine-131, caesium-137, and strontium-90 in air particulates were below 1 mBq per cubic meter for iodine-131, with caesium-137 and strontium-90 concentrations three orders lower and below 10 microbecquerel per cubic meter.

Rivers, Lakes, and Sea Water: Caesium-137 and strontium-90 concentrations in rivers and lakes were below 5 mBq per liter, and sea water near the nuclear plants registered less than 50 megabecquerel per liter.
Sediment Analysis: Sediment analysis revealed that caesium-137 concentration was highest at the Rajasthan Atomic Power Station, while strontium-90 concentration peaked at the Narora Atomic Power Station.

Tritium Presence: Tritium was detectable at all sites except the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Station, where it was not detected during the study period.
Total Doses: Though total doses remained below regulatory limits, Rajasthan, Madras, and Tarapur power plants showed relatively higher total doses. Efforts are being made to further limit doses at these sites to keep them as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA).

The BARC study’s comprehensive analysis concludes that the environmental impact of Indian nuclear power plants, based on 20 years of radiological data, has been minimal.
The findings not only emphasize the safe operation of these plants but also contribute to dispelling unwarranted beliefs, supporting India’s commitment to advancing its nuclear power program.
The study’s insights are poised to shape public and policy perspectives on nuclear energy in the country.