Atmospheric radionuclides transported to Fukuoka, Japan remote from the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power complex following the nuclear accident

Radionuclides were detected from the Fukushima nuclear accident at Fukuoka, Japan, 1000 km west of the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power complex. Iodine-131 was first detected 3 d after the accident, indicating that it was probably transported dispersively because of local meteorological conditions, and not global air circulation. The maximum concentrations, 5.07 mBq m−3 for 131I, 4.04 mBq m−3 for 134Cs, and 4.12 mBq m−3 for 137Cs, were recorded in particles collected on April 6, 2011. However, these concentration levels decreased below the detection limit by April 26, 2011. Gaseous 131I accounted for 30%–67% of the total 131I content. The increase in dose by inhalation was negligible at Fukuoka.

► We analized atmosphreic radionuclides from Fukushima at Fukuoka, Japan.
► The 131I was observed within 3 days after the accident and detected for a month.
► It is probably transported dispersively due to local meteorological condition.
► A maximum concentration was recorded in particles collected on April 6, 2011.
► Gaseous 131I occupied 30% to 67% of the total 131I.