Artificial Radionuclides in the Western North Pacific: A Review

Artificial radionuclides in the marine environment pose a significant concern along various political, health and environmental aspects since they were introduced as a by-product from the nuclear weapon testing, particularly in the northwestern Pacific Ocean. While radiological concern is confined only in special cases, the introduction of artificial radionuclides has been proven to be very useful tracers for the ocean processes. Various input of artificial radionuclides to the Pacific Ocean were compiled. Time series variation of the artificial radionuclides in the surface waters and in the water column was described. Finally, retrospective studies in the artificial radionuclide concentrations in the surface water was proposed using the dated corals taken from the northwest Pacific Proper away from the influence of coastal ocean.