The Environmental Effects of the April 2020 Wildfires and the Cs-137 Re-Suspension in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone: A Multi-Hazard Threat

This paper demonstrates the environmental impacts of wildfires occurring at beginning April 2020 in and around highly contaminated Chernobyl Exclusion Zone (CEZ). Due to critical fire location, concerns arose about secondary radioactive contamination potentially spreading over Europe. The impact was assessed through evaluation plume dispersion re-suspension radionuclide Cs-137, whereas, assess smoke effect, a WRF-Chem simulation performed compared Tropospheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI) satellite columns. results show agreement simulated black carbon monoxide plumes with as observed by TROPOMI, where pollutants were also transported Belarus. From an air quality health perspective, caused extremely bad Kiev, model mean values PM2.5 up 300 µg/m3 (during first outbreak) CEZ. Cs-137 Bayesian inverse modelling approach using FLEXPART atmospheric transport Ukraine observations, yielding total release 600 ± 200 GBq. increase both emissions only well correlated on 9 April, likely related shift focus area fires. radiological point view even highest (average measured or modelled concentrations deposition) measurement site closest Nuclear Power Plant, i.e., posed no risk.