the distribution of radioactive elements in peatlands of the island territories of the russian arctic (using the example of kolguev island)

The distribution of radioactive elements in the peatlands of the island territories of the russian arctic has been studied for the first time (using the example of kolguev island).the results showed that the total specific alpha activity of the peat is in the range of 16-87 bq/kg; the total specific beta activity is 13-221 bq/kg. the distribution of radioactive elements in the peatland is heterogeneous. the specific activities are concentrated in the upper layer of the peat (at a depth of 0-9 cm). strontium-90 is concentrated at a depth of 0-15 cm. the lower layers of the peat have the lowest radioactivity. the peatland on the island has an extremely low accumulation rate of radioactive elements (about 0.10 cm/year). if the current warming trend continues, the thawing of permafrost may lead to the migration of radioactive elements from the upper layers of the peatland to the lower layers. the radioactivity of the peatland is attributed to its mineral composition. increased alpha and beta specific activities of natural and technogenic radioactive elements have not been registered. the research results provide valuable information for predicting the migration of radioactive elements in peatlands under changing environmental conditions due to rapid climate warming in the arctic.