ABSTRACT
Assessing the radiological and physical impact of nuclear-energy-related activities on natural environments is important for the protection of natural systems and their species components. Impacts of nuclear power facilities on the environment result from routine and accidental releases of radionuclides to terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems and the interaction of condenser cooling systems with aquatic ecosystems. Sources of release of radionuclides to the environment include normal operation of nuclear power plants and plutonium-production reactors, nuclear plant accidents, past nuclear weapons testing, and leakage from radioactive waste storage sites. Several excellent reviews of radioecology and radiation effects on the environment have been published.
