Detection of Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident radioactive traces in Monaco

Daily air monitoring of radionuclides in the Principality of Monaco (43°73′N, 7°43′E) after the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident showed that only Iodine-131 (131I) and Caesium isotopes (134Cs and 137Cs) were detected. The peak of 131I varied and reached its maximum between March 29th and April 5th, meanwhile both peaks of 134Cs and 137Cs arrived later and attained a maximum between April 1st and 4th. Their maximum activity concentrations in air were 354, 30, and 37 μBq m−3 respectively. The 134Cs to 137Cs activity ratio was close to 1, which is different from that one observed after the Chernobyl accident (around 0.54). Up to 95% of caesium isotopes were washed out by wet scavenging during 27–28th of March, where the maximum deposition rates of 134Cs and 137Cs (13.7 and 19.1 mBq m−2 day−1, respectively) were observed. The significant input of 134Cs and 137Cs into the Mediterranean seawater column (30 m depth) was detected later, on the 24th of May. Radioisotopes of caesium and iodine were found far above the applied detection limits, but still with no concern for harmful radiation exposure and public health. The contamination gradually decreased in air and activity concentrations returned to background values after one or two months.

► Daily air concentrations of radionuclide in Monaco have been monitored.
► Radionuclides originating from the Fukushima accident were detected.
► Iodine-131 and 134Cs and 137Cs were detected in low levels, 354, 30, and 37 μBq m−3.
► The peak of 131I varied and reached its maximum between March 29th and April 5th.
► 134Cs and 137Cs were later than 131I, and attained a maximum between April 1st and 4th.