Global radioxenon emission inventory based on nuclear power reactor reports

Abstract Atmospheric radioactivity is monitored for the verification of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty, with xenon isotopes 131m Xe, 133 Xe, 133m Xe and 135 Xe serving as important indicators of nuclear explosions. The treaty-relevant interpretation of atmospheric concentrations of radioxenon is enhanced by quantifying radioxenon emissions released from civilian facilities. This paper presents the first global radioxenon emission inventory for nuclear power plants, based on North American and European emission reports for the years 1995–2005. Estimations were made for all power plant sites for which emission data were unavailable. According to this inventory, a total of 1.3 PBq of radioxenon isotopes are released by nuclear power plants as continuous or pulsed emissions in a generic year.