Published online by Cambridge University Press: 17 June 2005
In this contribution, the results of the radioactivity bio-monitoring of the Vltava River before (1996-2000) and after (2000-2003) the start-up of the PWR-type South Bohemian nuclear power plant are presented. The liquid radioactive effluents are discharged into the Vltava River, which also serves as a source of drinking water intended for Prague. The bio-monitoring was made by means of water plants and freshwater bivalve that are found along the watercourse. Biological samples were processed and then the activity of natural and man-made radionuclides was assessed by gamma-spectrometry. The analysed statistical data did not prove any impact of the three years NPP operation on the Vltava River radioactivity.