Radiological consequences of radioactive contamination of the Kara and Barents Seas

Abstract The radioecological situation in the Barents and Kara Seas in the period 1961–1993 has been analysed. Based on observational data and model calculations, exposure doses were estimated for marine organisms, such as plankton, molluscs, Crustacea, algae, fish and waterfowl. Assessments were made of exposure doses for the human population linked to the marine environment by seafood consumption pathways. The estimated exposure doses have been compared with radiation protection and ecological criteria.