Az MTA Földrajztudományi Kutatóintézet szerepe a Paksi Atomerőmű életében = Studies by the Geographical Research Institute (GRI) on the environmental effect of Paks Nuclear Power Plant

For the time being the Paks Nuclear Power Plant (PNPP) is the only object of such kind in Hungary. It produces nearly half of the energy consumed in the country so its safe operation is an imperative necessity. Four blocks of VVER-44V-213 type comprising the power plant were put into operation between 1982 and 1987. Geomorphological investigations into the closer and wider surroundings of PNPP performed in the GRI HAS (together with studies in the realm of related geosciences) suggested seismic safety of its operation. Assessment of atectonic faults, landslides, slumps, collapses, frost phenomena were instrumental in ruling out tectonic origin of relief shaping processes; the tectonic trigger was also rejected by international expertise. A volume of studies was devoted to this topic and published in English in 1997. In the 1990s geomorphic studies were focused on surface movements of radioisotopes and places of enrichment of isotopes as the most relevant characteristics of spatial behaviour of radionuclides (dry and wet deposition). A topic of utmost importance was the identification and mapping of the distribution of radioactive fallout, i.e. zones of outwash, transit and accumulation of radionuclides. Hydrological regimes of the cooling system of the PNPP, the bottom configuration of and silting up processes in fishponds located south of the power plant were investigated. Flood plain soils were analysed as to their sedimentological, pedological, physical and chemical properties. Several hundred boreholes were deepened in the surroundings of the PNPP and the data thus obtained were used for the reconstruction and mapping of buried valleys that helped identify subsurface flows and trace tritium currents. Eolian transport of radionuclides was studied on high terraces with landforms sculptured by wind erosion, with special reference to the effect of dust and sand storms. Vegetation survey included description of habitat types. Geoecological base map can be considered a synthesis of the knowledge accumulated on matter circulation in the vicinity of the PNPP. Spatial entities identified in this map reflect homogeneity with regard to matter circulation