14 C Sources and Distribution in the Vicinity of La Hague Nuclear Reprocessing Plant: Part Ii—Marine Environment

International audienceCarbon dioxide partial pressure and radiocarbon activity were measured in air and seawater in the Bay of Seine and around the COGEMA-La Hague nuclear reprocessing plant (northwest France) during 3 cruises in 2000 and 2002. Results clearly show that the sea is a source of CO2 and 14C to the atmosphere. High 14C concentrations in air and water related to the La Hague liquid waste are clearly recorded. For the restricted area of the Bay of Seine, CO2 carbon and 14C fluxes were estimated, indicating that less than 3% of the liquid 14C release is introduced in the atmosphere