Specific Activity of Cs-137 in Milk of Semey Region of East Kazakhstan Area
Aitbek Kakimov
Shakarim State University of Semey, Semey, Kazakhstan.
Irina Smirnova
Kemerovo Institute of Food Science and Technology, Kemerovo, Russia.
Yerlan Zharykbasov
Shakarim State University of Semey, Semey, Kazakhstan and Kemerovo Institute of Food Science and Technology, Kemerovo, Russia.
Zhainagul Kakimova
Shakarim State University of Semey, Semey, Kazakhstan.
Zhanibek Yessimbekov *
Shakarim State University of Semey, Semey, Kazakhstan.
Gulmira Mirasheva
Shakarim State University of Semey, Semey, Kazakhstan.
Malika Baybalinova
Shakarim State University of Semey, Semey, Kazakhstan.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Cesium-137 (Cs-137) activity concentration in cow milk samples, collected near the former Semipalatinsk nuclear test site (SNTS) in Kazakhstan were measured. Milk samples were obtained from 7 different locations within 2 administrative regions (Abai and Ayaguz). Abai and Ayaguz regions belong to different zones of radiation risk: zone of maximum radiation risk and zone of heightened radiation risk, respectively. Radionuclide activities concentrations were determined using a gamma-ray spectrometer with pure germanium detector. The highest activity concentration values in milk were found in Karaul of Abai region 8.60±0.16 Bq/l. In Zhidebai, Kaskabulak, Kokbai and Medeu the Cs-137 activity concentration were 5.30±0.21 Bq/l, 4.10±0.12 Bq/l, 7.10±0.22 Bq/l and 3.70±0.14 Bq/l, respectively. In Ayaguz region the average value was 3.60 Bq/L. In this zone, the highest activity concentration was measured in Akshatau 6.60±0.27 Bq/l. In Ayaguz Cs-137 content was lower 2.60±0.09 Bq/l.
Keywords: Cs-137, milk, nuclear test site, Semipalatinsk