CTBT: Science and Technology Conference 2025 - SnT2025

Results of the ongoing monitoring activities at the CTBTO station in Mauritania

P2.3-487

Not scheduled

1h

Zeremoniensaal

E-poster T2.3 Atmospheric and Subsurface Radionuclide Background and Dispersion P2.3 Atmospheric and Subsurface Radionuclide Background and Dispersion

Speaker

Mr Mohamed Ahmed Mohamed Zeine (National Authority for Radiation Protection, Safety, and Nuclear Security (ARSN))

Description

The RN43 station, located in Nouakchott, Mauritania, is a key component of the International Monitoring System (IMS) under the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO). Established in 2006, the station plays a crucial role in detecting and analyzing airborne radionuclides, contributing to global atmospheric transport models and radiological risk assessments. Due to its semi-arid desert climate, proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and exposure to dominant northerly winds, RN43 provides a unique vantage point for tracing radionuclide dispersion patterns in an arid environment.

In July 2022, a supplementary PM10 measurement campaign was initiated at RN43 to investigate the relationship between airborne particulate matter and radionuclide concentrations, particularly in the context of sandstorms and seasonal meteorological variations. While this initiative enhances the station’s analytical capacity, radionuclide surveillance remains the primary focus of RN43’s mission.