Radionuclide concentrations in air particulate at Palermo (Italy) following Fukushima accident

Following the Fukushima accident, a series of samplings were carried out with a daily frequency to detect the arrival of radioactive contamination in air at Palermo (Italy) and to follow its evolution during the time. Air particulate collection was performed by suction of atmospheric air through cellulose filter paper by means of a high-volume air sampler (approximate to 15 000 m(3) d(1)). Spectrometric analysis of the filters highlights the presence of I-131, Cs-134, Cs-137 and, only for a few samples, traces of (TeI)-Te-132-I-132 and Cs-136. Maximum airborne concentrations were 883 Bq m(3) for I-131 (only particulate), 81 Bq m(3) for Cs-137 and 70 Bq m(3) for Cs-134. From a dose to population point of view, no significant values were obtained. The concentration values are from 1000 to 100 000 times lower than the ones measured after the Chernobyl accident, while, for only Cs-137, are comparable with the ones highlighted after the Algeciras accident (Spain, 1998).