The role of planktonic organisms in accumulation and transfer of radioactive contaminants in the cooling reservoir of a nuclear power plant

The results of long-term studies (1985–2006) on the state of planktonic communities and their capacity for accumulation of radioactive contaminants in the cooling reservoir of the Beloyarsk Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP) have been summarized. The changes in the population density and biomass of planktonic organisms have been estimated in different water areas of the Beloyarsk Reservoir. The levels of radionuclide accumulation by phyto- and zooplankton in the reservoir and technological channels of the BNPP have been determined. The contributions of two nuclear power enterprises (the BNPP and the Institute of Reactor Materials) to the accumulation of radionuclides by planktonic organisms have been evaluated. The rates of radionuclide accumulation by phyto- and zooplankton have been estimated and compared with those of other components of the aquatic biocenosis.