TOPICAL REPORTS Radioecological research of the Black Sea: Report from Romania Marine scientists in Romania are involved in a range of national and international projects for monitoring the marine environment

by Alexandra f semi-closed tideless basin bordering six Bologa countries, the Black Sea is considered a "unicum hydrobiologicum" because of its physical, chemical, and biological peculiarities. Unlike any other sea, the Black Sea is permanently deficient in oxygen, or anoxic, below a depth of 150-200 meters. The Sea's radioactivity levels have been the subject of rigorous research in the riparian countries and among organizations participating in various international oceanographical cruises. After the Chernobyl accident in 1986, interest in radioecological research of the Black Sea increased in Romania, as it did in a number of other countries. Studies have included both radioactivity surveys on abiotic and biotic compounds and experiments on the biokinetics of radio-, nuclides in the marine environment. In Romania, such work has carried particular importance. The need for monitoring radioactivity levels is mainly explained by the continuing existence of fallout, by the Danube river's presence, and by the prospects for nuclear energy's use in electricity generation. The Danube is the main collector of radioactive wastes from seven riparian countries before flowing into the Black Sea; this important river flow (80% of the total input of fresh water to the Sea) could contribute to radiocontamination of the marine ecosystem as well. The utilization of nuclear energy in the future, following the completion of the nuclear power plant at Cernavoda in Romania, will be — despite all assurances — another possible source of radioactive wastes having an impact on the environment. This article highlights Romanian research of the marine environment in the Black Sea, and the country's participation in related regional and international projects.