Assessing the Extent of Pollutant Accumulation in the Animal Foods and Blood of Individuals Inhabiting the Azgyr Test Base Area

Abstract

The studies have been undertaken in the Azgyr nuclear test base located in the western part of Atyrau Region, Republic of Kazakhstan, where 17 subsurface explosions had been set off from 1966 through 1979. We have studied the natural environments (soil, plants, food), biological environment of the wildlife and the human beings. Radionuclides intake in foodstuff in the Azgyr test base area was due to their aerogenic precipitation on the pasture grass that is especially significant in the period of active grazing. Multiple subsurface nuclear explosions in the salt domes of the test base have resulted in the increased water hardness and increased contents of lead and cadmium which exceed the limits. Concentrations of cobalt in the soils of inhabited localities were 21 times higher than normal, cadmium – 6 times higher and lead – 10 times. The content of cobalt in the organs of small cattle (liver, kidneys, heart, and lungs) was 2.5 times higher than MCL, and five times higher than normal – in milk. High level of lead, cadmium, and cobalt and deficiency of important microelements (zinc, copper, and iron) was observed in the blood samples of individuals inhabiting the region.