Work

Radiological and ecological consequences of a hypothetical nuclear submarine accident in the Eastern Mediterranean

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: A hypothetical accident involving a nuclear power submarine (NPS) in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea was described. The dispersion model used for simulating the dispersal of man-made radionuclides was the hybrid single-particle Lagrangian integrated trajectory (HYSPLIT) code. “Environmental Risk from Ionising Contaminants: Assessment and Management” (ERICA) tools were employed to evaluate issues related to sea health and potential hazards in the event of an accident. The distribution models for radionuclides 137 Cs, 134 Cs, 90 Sr, and 131 I were simulated, and their results were used in ERICA tools to predict radiation risks to marine biota. Among these species, the highest internal dose rates were observed in macroalgae (1.67 × 10 5 µGy h −1 ) and the highest external dose rates in polychaete worms (2.79 × 10 4 µGy h −1 ). Dose accumulation in all organisms exceeded the screening value.

Source: Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry

DOI: 10.1007/s10967-025-10350-5

Authors: Akbar Abbasi, Fatemeh Mirekhtiary, Mayeen Uddin Khandaker, Serap Maden, Ahmed H. Ali

Institutions: University of Kyrenia, Near East University, Korea University, Sunway University, University Of Fallujah

Language: English

Topic: Radioactive contamination and transfer

Subfield: Global and Planetary Change

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Life below water

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,790