Distribution of gamma-ray radionuclides in surface sediments of the Kongsfjorden, Arctic: Implications for sediment provenance

The Kongsfjorden is highly sensitive region to climate variability, however, the study of gamma-ray radionuclides in related areas is relatively scarce. In this study, the grain size, total organic carbon (TOC), C-13(org) isotopes, and specific activities of seven gamma nuclides were analysed in surface sediments of the Kongsfjorden in the Arctic during the summer of 2017. The specific activities of Pb-210(ex), Cs-137, U-238, Ra-226, Ra-228, Th-228, and K-40 were 12-256 Bq/kg, 0-3.8 Bq/kg, 25-42 Bq/kg, 24-38 Bq/kg, 22-40 Bq/kg, 22-40 Bq/kg, and 354-738 Bq/kg, respectively, with average values of (121 +/- 94) Bq/kg, (2.0 +/- 1.2) Bq/kg, (34 +/- 6) Bq/kg, (32 +/- 4) Bq/kg, (32 +/- 6) Bq/kg, (33 +/- 6) Bq/kg, and (611 +/- 119) Bq/kg. This study observed a significant positive correlation (r=0.845, p<0.05) between TOC and Pb-210(ex), highlighting the strong influence of organic matter on the distribution of Pb-210(ex). The boundary scavenging of Pb-210 from the open sea contributed 27.5%-46.2% to the total Pb-210(ex) in the sediments of the outer Kongsfjorden. The grain size was an important factor affecting the activity distribution of several radionuclides (U-238, Ra-228, Th-228, Ra-226, and K-40). The specific activity of Cs-137 indicated the transport of terrestrial materials from the exposed area of the Kongsfjorden. The sediments in the Kongsfjorden were derived from various material contributions of glacial meltwater debris, glacial rivers, bare soil, atmospheric deposition, and marine sources. This study explains the source of the Kongsfjorden sediment and the distribution characteristics of radionuclides, and illustrateas the main factors affecting the distribution of radionuclides, which provides a reference for the behavior of polar radionuclides in future research.

Automated summary

This study analyzed gamma-ray radionuclides in sediments of the Kongsfjorden in the Arctic and studied the factors affecting their distribution. The findings revealed a strong influence of organic matter on the distribution of Pb-210(ex), significant contribution of boundary scavenging to the sediment's Pb-210(ex) content, and the importance of grain size and Cs-137 activity in radionuclide distribution.