Characteristics of 210Po in Asian overbite clam (Potamocorbula laevis) from the coastal area at Thai Binh province, Vietnam.

210Po concentration in the edible muscle tissue and digestive diverticulum organs of Asian overbite clam at the near-shore Thai Binh, Vietnam was analyzed using alpha detectors. The 210Po activity in muscle tissue and digestive diverticulum organs ranged from 5 ± 1 to 178 ± 10 and from 118 ± 7 to 812 ± 12 Bq.kg-1 with the average value of 25 and 324 Bq.kg-1, respectively. Results showed that 210Po activity in the digestive diverticulum was significantly higher than in the muscle tissue. There was a slightly inverse correlation between 210Po activity in muscle tissue, digestive diverticulum, and clam weight and size. The annual committed effective dose was calculated from 210Po due to the consumption of Asian overbite clam for adults in the study area was higher than the guideline value of 0.2 - 1 mSv.y-1.

Thyroid Doses to French Polynesians Resulting from Atmospheric Nuclear Weapons Tests: Estimates Based on Radiation Measurements and Population Lifestyle Data.

Thyroid doses were estimated for the subjects of a population-based case-control study of thyroid cancer in a population exposed to fallout after atmospheric nuclear weapons tests conducted in French Polynesia between 1966 and 1974. Thyroid doses due to (1) intake of I and of short-lived radioiodine isotopes (I, I, I) and Te, (2) external irradiation from gamma-emitting radionuclides deposited on the ground, and (3) ingestion of long-lived Cs with foodstuffs were reconstructed for each study subject. The dosimetry model that had been used in 2008 in Phase I of the study was substantially improved with (1) results of radiation monitoring of the environment and foodstuffs, which became available in 2013 for public access, and (2) historical data on population lifestyle related to the period of the tests, which were collected in 2016-2017 using focus-group discussions and key informant interviews. The mean thyroid dose among the study subjects was found to be around 5 mGy while the highest dose was estimated to be around 36 mGy. Doses from I intake ranged up to 27 mGy, while those from intake of short-lived iodine isotopes (I, I, I) and Te ranged up to 14 mGy. Thyroid doses from external exposure ranged up to 6 mGy, and those from internal exposure due to Cs ingestion did not exceed 1 mGy. Intake of I was found to be the main pathway for thyroid exposure accounting for 72% of the total dose. Results of this study are being used to evaluate the risk of thyroid cancer among the subjects of the epidemiologic study of thyroid cancer among French Polynesians.

INTEGRAL ESTIMATION OF QUALITY OF THE DNIPRO RIVER WATER INCLUDING RADIATION INDEXES AT PLACES OF WATER INTAKE AND POTABLE WATER SUPPLY STATIONS. / INTEGRAL'NA OTsINKA IaKOSTI VOD RIChKY DNIPRO Z VYZNAChENNIaM RADIATsIINOÏ AKTYVNOSTI U MISTsIaKh PYTNYKh VODOZABORIV TA PYTNYKh VODOPROVIDNYKh STANTsII.

OBJECTIVE: To develop an methodology for integral estimation of natural and potable water and to conduct relevant estimation of the Dnipro River water including radiation indexes at locations of potable water intake and potable water supply stations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Materials of Cherkasyvodokanal ME, Dniprovodokanal ME, Vodokanal ME, Berdyansk-vodokanal ME, and Oblvodokanal ME were analyzed. Along the period of 3 years (2015-2017), 468 water samplesfrom 7 water supply stations which use the Dnipro River water for intake were examined, upon 25 sanitary-chemical and 2 radiation (α activity and ß activity) parameters. When carrying out the research, the following methods were used: bibliographic, sanitary-chemical, experts' and integral estimations. RESULTS: In order to carry out integral estimation of the quality of intake and potable water of water supply stations, for the first time the method of hierarchic folding of variables in the method of hierarchy analysis of T. Saati was used, by way of stage-by-stage expert comparison of different groups of parameters and of parameters in groups.Herewith, the groups of parameters were classified according to requirements of State Sanitary Rules and Standards (DSanPiN) 2.2.4-171-10 «Hygienic Requirements to Potable Water Intended for Consumption by Humans¼ asorganoleptic, integral, physical-chemical with organoleptic and general sanitary, as well as sanitary-toxicological characteristics of health hazards. Weight coefficients for parameters of quality of water are calculated as the superposition of expert weights for each group with taking into account relative estimations of significance for a complex parameter of groups between each other. It was educed that the average complex parameter for all stations in intake water in spring, in summer, and in autumn is statistically (p < 0.001) greater than in winter, and after treatment it doesn't vary along seasons of the year. If complex parameters for water from all stations are compared, their minimum values were for water of Cherkasyvodokanal ME (0.177 ± 0.005 and 0.167 ± 0.005 - of intake and potable water respectively) and Kaydatska Pumping and Filtration Station of Dniprovodokanal ME (0.156 ± 0.006 of intake water). Maximum values were detected in intake water of Blocks No. 1 and No. 2 of DWSS-1 of the town of Zaporizhzhia (0.267 ± 0.008 for each) and of Oblvodokanal ME (0.273 ± 0.004); of potable: DWSS-1 of the town of Zaporizhzhia (0.260 ± 0.008 and 0.265 ± 0.008 respectively) and Berdyanskvodokanal ME (0.282 ± 0.009). At several stations, after treatment, the increase of the value of the complex parameter was observed, and at other, the decrease or the stability of that value was observed. CONCLUSIONS: 1. An methodology for assessing the quality of natural and drinking water including radiation indexes is developed, which will allow processing of large massifs of indicators through their step-by-step expert comparison with a significant simplification of the work of experts and without losing the accuracy of the evaluation results. 2. The integral estimation of the ecological state of water of the Dnipro River at places of potable water intakes allowed to determine that the complex parameter of the quality of above mentioned water has a minimum value in winter, and after treatment at water supply stations the parameter is stable along the year. The dynamics of changes in the integral parameter by years (2015-2017) was educed, and along the river bed. Minimum values of complex parameters of quality of intake water was detected for the following stations: Cherkasyvodokanal ME and Kaydatska Pumping and Filtration Station of Dniprovodokanal ME, and maximum values were detected at Blocks No. 1 and No. 2 of DWSS-1 of the town of Zaporizhzhia and at Oblvodokanal ME. It was confirmed that with the purpose of carrying out efficient state monitoring of the quality of natural and potable water in the spatial-temporal aspect, it is expedient to use the method of integral estimation.

EFFECT OF SOMEUNFAVORABLE FACTORS OF ENVIRONMENT ON THE SURVIVAL OF CHILDREN WITH ACUTE LEUKEMIA IN A LONG6TERM PERIOD AFTER ACCIDENT ON THE CHORNOBYL NPP. / VPLYV DEIaKYKh NESPRYIaTLYVYKh ChYNNYKIV DOVKILLIa NA VYZhYVANIST' DITEI Z GOSTRYMY LEIKEMIIaMY U VIDDALENYI PERIOD PISLIa AVARIÏ NA ChORNOBYL'S'KII AES.

OBJECTIVE: Determine of the influence of adverse environmental factors, including irradiation, on the survival ofchildren with acute leukemia in the long-term period after the Chornobyl accident (2008-2017). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Examined 74 children with acute leukemia (АL): 64 with acute lymphoblastic leukemia(ALL); 10 - acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML). The influence of negative environmental factors was assessed bythe degree of integrated pollution of the atmospheric air, surface waters and soils with pesticides, heavy metals (Pb,Cu, Ni, Cr, Mn, Zn, Fe) and cesium isotope 137Cs. These regions were ranked on a moderately polluted (1), polluted (2),very (3) and extremely (4) polluted territories. Took into account the age of children, blood test, immunophenotyp-ic of variant the acute leukemia, survival of patients and place of residence (city / village), serum ferritin level (SF). RESULTS: Exposure doses of children were in the range from 0.4 mSv to 35.0 mSv (average values were (4.25 ± 0.63 mSv)and did not affect the prognosis and variants of AL. 52 children lived in moderately and polluted territories (30 wereresidents of cities, 22 - villages). 22 patients were lived in very and extremely polluted territories (4 were residentsof cities, 18 - villages). Of 74 patients with ALL and AML 24 children died (32.4 %). The smallest number ofchildren, who died, were patients with «general type¼ В-ALL (18.7 %), most of all children with pro-В-ALL (8 out of10) and Т-ALL (3 of 4). Of the 52 patients, the inhabitants of moderately and polluted regions, 13 patients died (25%), while out of 22 patients, who lived in very and extremely polluted areas, 11 children died (50 % share)(rs = 0.39; p < 0.05). Of the 10 patients with AML, 4 children died. Most often, children died, who were residents ofvillages. Moreover, the level of SF was significantly higher in children over 6 years, the inhabitants of villages -(406.8 ± 40.6) ng/ml, compared to younger patients - (211.2 ± 32.1) ng/ml) and residents of of cities: up to 6years - (297.4 ± 52.3) ng/ml; over 6 years - (275.6 ± 29.8) ng/ml. CONCLUSIONS: The obtained data testify to the negative influence of environmental factors, including iron, and canbe the basis for understanding the mechanisms of potentiating influence of metals and their compounds on thedevelopment of malignant diseases of the blood system in children.

Gross beta determination in drinking water using scintillating fiber array detector.

A scintillating fiber array detector for measuring gross beta counting is developed to monitor the real-time radioactivity in drinking water. The detector, placed in a stainless-steel tank, consists of 1096 scintillating fibers, both sides of which are connected to a photomultiplier tube. The detector parameters, including working voltage, background counting rate and stability, are tested, and the detection efficiency is calibrated using standard potassium chloride solution. Water samples are measured with the detector and the results are compared with those by evaporation method. The results show consistency with those by evaporation method. The background counting rate of the detector is 38.131 ±â€¯0.005 cps, and the detection efficiency for ß particles is 0.37 ±â€¯0.01 cps/(Bq/l). The MDAC of this system can be less than 1.0 Bq/l for ß particles in 120 min without pre-concentration.

A laboratory information management system for the analysis of tritium (3H) in environmental waters.

Accurate and precise measurements of low levels of tritium (3H) in environmental waters are difficult to attain due to complex steps of sample preparation, electrolytic enrichment, liquid scintillation decay counting, and extensive data processing. We present a Microsoft Access™ relational database application, TRIMS (Tritium Information Management System) to assist with sample and data processing of tritium analysis by managing the processes from sample registration and analysis to reporting and archiving. A complete uncertainty propagation algorithm ensures tritium results are reported with robust uncertainty metrics. TRIMS will help to increase laboratory productivity and improve the accuracy and precision of 3H assays. The software supports several enrichment protocols and LSC counter types. TRIMS is available for download at no cost from the IAEA at www.iaea.org/water.

RADIOLOGICAL IMPACT OF SOME COMMON FOODS OF SOUTHERN PART OF WEST BENGAL, INDIA.

An appreciable portion of human exposure to natural radioactivity comes from food and drinking water. Gross alpha radioactivity has been measured in thirty one food items consumed almost every day by the people of southern part of West Bengal, India, by using the solid state nuclear track detector LR-115. The annual effective doses due to intake of alpha-emitting radionuclides through these food items have also been estimated, and the total average annual dose received by an adultthrough ingestion of these foodstuffs calculated, considering the food habit of the people of the region. The total average annual dose is below the 1 mSv y-1 limit proposed by WHO, and over half of this annual dose comes from consumption of cereals.

Characterization and calibration of a novel detection system for real time monitoring of radioactive contamination in water processed at water treatment facilities.

Characterization and calibration measurements were carried out at the National Institute of Ionizing Radiation Metrology of ENEA on the TAp WAter RAdioactivity (TAWARA) Real Time Monitor system recently developed for real time monitoring of radioactive contamination in water processed at water treatment facilities. Reference radiations and radionuclides were chosen in order to reflect energy ranges and radiation types of the major water radioactive contaminants possibly arising from environmental, industrial or terroristic origin. The following instrument parameters were tested: sensitivity, selectivity, background, short/long term stability, linearity with respect to activity.

Foliar uptake of radiocaesium from irrigation water by paddy rice (Oryza sativa): an overlooked pathway in contaminated environments.

Flooded (paddy) rice (Oryza sativa) can take up ions from the irrigation water by foliar uptake via the exposed stem base. We hypothesised that the stem base uptake of radiocaesium (RCs) is a pathway for rice grown in RCs-contaminated environments. We developed a bi-compartmental device which discriminates the stem base from root RCs uptake from solutions, thereby using RCs isotopes (137 Cs and 134 Cs) with < 2% solution leak between the compartments. Radiocaesium uptake was linear over time (0-24 h). Radiocaesium uptake to the entire plant, expressed per dry weight of the exposed parts, was sixfold higher for the roots than for the exposed stem base. At equal RCs concentrations in both compartments, the exposed stem base and root uptake contributed almost equally to the total shoot RCs concentrations. Reducing potassium supply to the roots not only increased the root RCs uptake but also increased RCs uptake by the stem base. This study was the first to experimentally demonstrate active and internally regulated RCs uptake by the stem base of rice. Scenario calculations for the Fukushima-affected area predict that RCs in irrigation water could be an important source of RCs in rice as indirectly suggested from field data.

Bioaccumulation of natural radionuclides in molluscs from the Ebro Delta area.

210Po, 210Pb, 234U, 238U, 232Th and 230Th were analysed in the edible part of four different species of bivalves typically produced and consumed in the Ebro Delta area. The results show that the main contributor to the radioactive content in these species was 210Po, with values ranging between 263.1 ± 26.6 and 813.0 ± 72.9 Bq/kg (d.w.), which are higher than the usual reported activity levels in other geographical areas. This can probably be attributed to the activities of a phosphate industrial plant located upstream on the Ebro River, which may lead to enhanced levels of naturally occurring radioactive isotopes in the aquatic ecosystem. To determine the possible impact on health, the committed effective doses through the consumption of the different species were evaluated and the cumulative total annual effective dose for their consumption was estimated to 187.6 µSv/year, which is in the range of 200-1000 µSv/year given by UNSCEAR.

[Ecological-hygienic evaluation of the environment of territories being adjacent to decultivated uranium mines].

On the territory of Kazakhstan there are uranium deposits, many ofwhich are in mothballed since times of perestroika. Often, the mines are flooded and represent a "time-delay bomb". Inside of mines various there are accumulated gases of both organic and inorganic nature, periodically thrown out and adversely affecting on the health of local populations. The aim of the study was the investigation of the state of the environment of Esilsky district of the Akmola region by common pollutants and chemicals. As the basic variable for the investigation of ambient air there was accepted the maximum one-time concentration of suspended substances, phenol, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide. The results were evaluated in relation to the MPC for the analyzed substance in the air according to maximal single MPC (MPCms) and daily average MPC (MPCda). The content of metals in the water was determined with the use of spectrophotometer PD-303S. Evaluation of the results was executed in relation of the MPC of substances in water, by means of the comparison with the requirements of Federal standards for drinking water, samples from drinking water sources. There were executed calculations of the overall index of water pollution (IWVgen), the index of water pollution by heavy metals (IWVhm). Chemical analysis of soil was carried out with the use of spectrophotometer PD- 303S (Japan), the photometer expert-003 "Ekoniks". Evaluation of the results was carried out with the respect to the MPC in the soil, the toxicity of all components. Summarizing soil pollution index was evaluated for metals contained in the soil at the level of more than or equal to 1 MAC. The settlement Krasnogorskiy and the village of Kalachi were found to be characterized by a low level of air pollution, increased rigidity of drinking water exceeded the maximum permissible concentrations of copper by 3.45 times and chloride by 1.17 times in the soil cover.

Comparative statistical analysis of carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic effects of uranium in groundwater samples from different regions of Punjab, India.

LED flourimeter has been used for microanalysis of uranium concentration in groundwater samples collected from six districts of South West (SW), West (W) and North East (NE) Punjab, India. Average value of uranium content in water samples of SW Punjab is observed to be higher than WHO, USEPA recommended safe limit of 30µgl-1 as well as AERB proposed limit of 60µgl-1. Whereas, for W and NE region of Punjab, average level of uranium concentration was within AERB recommended limit of 60µgl-1. Average value observed in SW Punjab is around 3-4 times the value observed in W Punjab, whereas its value is more than 17 times the average value observed in NE region of Punjab. Statistical analysis of carcinogenic as well as non carcinogenic risks due to uranium have been evaluated for each studied district.

Impacts on the terrestrial environment in case of a hypothetical accident involving the recovery of the dumped Russian submarine K-27.

Objects containing radioactivity have been routinely dumped in Arctic waters near NW Russia up until the 1990s. One of the most radioactive objects in this region, the nuclear submarine K-27, was dumped in Stepogovo Fjord and contained spent nuclear fuel (SNF). Although the two K-27 submarine reactors were mothballed before dumping, concerns about the potential long term risks of contamination remain and plans to retrieve and decommission K-27 exist. In this article, human dose and environmental impact aseessments are presented for two possible future scenarios involving: (1) an ingress of water into a reactor in situ leading to a spontaneous chain reaction (SCR) and (2) an on-board fire when SNF is being removed at the mainland decommissiong site at Gremhika Bay on the Kola Peninsula. Assessments have been completed using conservative assumptions, focusing on possible effects to Norwegian territory. Atmospheric transport and deposition of radioactivity was modelled near field and regionally, using appropriate models, whilst human doses and environmental exposures were modelled using a standard IAEA approach and the ERICA tool, respectively. Results indicate that large areas of Norwegian territory could be affected by fallout from the Gremhika scenario, especially in the north, though at levels two orders of magnitude lower than those observed after the Chernobyl accident. Potential doses, primarily due to ground shine, to a critical group of personnel on-site at Stepogovo resulting from a SCR could require preventative measures based on ICRP recommendations (20-100 mSv). Doses to non-human biota in Norway for the Gremhika scenario would be negligible, typical of background dose rates for terrestrial organisms.

Distribution and environmental impacts of heavy metals and radioactivity in sediment and seawater samples of the Marmara Sea.

In this study, the natural and anthropogenic radioactivity levels in the sediment samples collected from the Marmara Sea in Turkey were determined. The average activity concentrations (range) of (226)Ra, (238)U, (232)Th, (40)K and (137)Cs were found to be 23.8 (13.8-34.2) Bq kg(-1), 18.8 (6.4-25.9) Bq kg(-1), 23.02 (6.3-31.1) Bq kg(-1), 558.6 (378.8-693.6) Bq kg(-1) and 9.14 (4.8-16.3) Bq kg(-1), respectively. Our results showed that the average activity concentrations of (226)Ra, (238)U and (232)Th in the sediment samples were within the acceptable limits; whereas the average activity concentration of (40)K in the sediment samples was higher than the worldwide average concentration. The average radium equivalent activity, the average absorbed dose rate and the average external hazard index were calculated as 100.01 Bq kg(-1), 48.32 nGy h(-1) and 0.27, respectively. The average gross alpha and beta activity in the seawater samples were found to be 0.042 Bq L(-1) and 13.402 Bq L(-1), respectively. The gross alpha and beta activity concentrations increased with water depth in the same stations. The average heavy metal concentrations (range) in the sediment samples were 114.6 (21.6-201.7) µg g(-1) for Cr, 568.2 (190.8-1625.1) µg g(-1) for Mn, 39.3 (4.9-83.4) µg g(-1) for Cu, 85.5 (11.0-171.8) µg g(-1) for Zn, 32.9 (9.1-73.1) µg g(-1) for Pb and 49.1 (6.8-103.0) µg g(-1) for Ni. S5 station was heavily polluted by Cr, Cu, Ni and Pb. The results showed that heavy metal enrichment in sediments of the Marmara Sea was widespread.

Main results of the 2012 joint Norwegian-Russian expedition to the dumping sites of the nuclear submarine K-27 and solid radioactive waste in Stepovogo Fjord, Novaya Zemlya.

This paper reports the main results of the 2012 joint Norwegian-Russian expedition to investigate the radioecological situation of the Stepovogo Fjord on the eastern coast of Novaya Zemlya, where the nuclear submarine K-27 and solid radioactive waste was dumped. Based on in situ gamma measurements and the analysis of seawater and sediment samples taken around the submarine, there was no indication of any leakage from the reactor units of K-27. With regard to the radioecological status of Stepovogo Fjord, activity concentrations of all radionuclides in seawater, sediment and biota in 2012 were in general lower than reported from the previous investigations in the 1990s. However in 2012, the activity concentrations of (137)Cs and, to a lesser extent, those of (90)Sr remained elevated in bottom water from the inner part of Stepovogo Fjord compared with surface water and the outer part of Stepovogo Fjord. Deviations from expected (238)Pu/(239,240)Pu activity ratios and (240)Pu/(239)Pu atom ratios in some sediment samples from the inner part of Stepovogo Fjord observed in this study and earlier studies may indicate the possibility of leakages from dumped waste from different nuclear sources. Although the current environmental levels of radionuclides in Stepovogo Fjord are not of immediate cause for concern, further monitoring of the situation is warranted.

Análisis de la radiactividad en aguas del Balneario de Villavieja (Castellón) / Radioactivity analysis of Villavieja Spa water

Se ha realizado el estudio radiológico del agua del manantial del Balneario de Villavieja en la provincia de Castellón. Este estudio ha consistido en la determinación cuantitativa de los radionucleidos naturales más importantes desde el punto de vista de la protección radiológica existentes en las aguas del balneario. La medida del contenido radiactivo de las aguas constituye un tema cuyo estudio resulta de gran interés. Las aguas con elementos radiactivos disueltos pueden producir, como consecuencia directa de su consumo, dosis de irradiación interna tanto por ingestión como por inhalación de estos elementos. Debido a esto es necesario, en algunos casos, proceder al análisis y posterior evaluación de la dosis asociada a este consumo (AU)

Radio activity analysis of Villavieja Spa water was carried out by the CIEMAT Laboratory of Environmental Radioactivity. With this aim the most important natural radionuclides were determined in water from spring water. The measurement and knowledge of radioactivity level in water is an interesting and convenient topic. The consumption of water which has dissolved some radionuclides could lead to internal irradiation both by ingestion and by inhalation. Therefore it is necessary, in some cases, to determine the water radioactivity level in order to assess the dose (AU)

Radiological impact of surface water and sediment near uranium mining sites.

The aim of this study is to assess the radiological impact of surface water and sediment around uranium mining sites 20 years after their closing. The areas under observations are 31 former classical underground uranium mining and exploratory sites in Bulgaria, named as objects. The extraction and processing of uranium ores in the Republic of Bulgaria were ended in 1992. To assess the radiological impact of radionuclides field expeditions were performed to sample water and bottom sediment. The migration of uranium through surface water was examined as one of the major pathways for contamination spread. The range of uranium concentration in water flowing from the mining sites was from 0.012 to 6.8 mgU l(-1) with a geometric mean of 0.192 mgU l(-1). The uranium concentrations in water downstream the mining sites were approximately 3 times higher than the background value (upstream). The concentrations of Unat, (226)Ra, (210)Pb, and (232)Th in the sediment of downstream river were higher than those upstream by 3.4, 2.6, 2, and 1.7 times, respectively. The distribution coefficient of uranium reflects its high mobility in most of the sites. In order to evaluate the impact on people as well as site prioritization for more detailed assessment and water management, screening dose assessments were done.

Removal of Trace Elements by Cupric Oxide Nanoparticles from Uranium In Situ Recovery Bleed Water and Its Effect on Cell Viability.

In situ recovery (ISR) is the predominant method of uranium extraction in the United States. During ISR, uranium is leached from an ore body and extracted through ion exchange. The resultant production bleed water (PBW) contains contaminants such as arsenic and other heavy metals. Samples of PBW from an active ISR uranium facility were treated with cupric oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NPs). CuO-NP treatment of PBW reduced priority contaminants, including arsenic, selenium, uranium, and vanadium. Untreated and CuO-NP treated PBW was used as the liquid component of the cell growth media and changes in viability were determined by the MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay in human embryonic kidney (HEK 293) and human hepatocellular carcinoma (Hep G2) cells. CuO-NP treatment was associated with improved HEK and HEP cell viability. Limitations of this method include dilution of the PBW by growth media components and during osmolality adjustment as well as necessary pH adjustment. This method is limited in its wider context due to dilution effects and changes in the pH of the PBW which is traditionally slightly acidic however; this method could have a broader use assessing CuO-NP treatment in more neutral waters.

Natural bacterial communities serve as quantitative geochemical biosensors.

UNLABELLED: Biological sensors can be engineered to measure a wide range of environmental conditions. Here we show that statistical analysis of DNA from natural microbial communities can be used to accurately identify environmental contaminants, including uranium and nitrate at a nuclear waste site. In addition to contamination, sequence data from the 16S rRNA gene alone can quantitatively predict a rich catalogue of 26 geochemical features collected from 93 wells with highly differing geochemistry characteristics. We extend this approach to identify sites contaminated with hydrocarbons from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, finding that altered bacterial communities encode a memory of prior contamination, even after the contaminants themselves have been fully degraded. We show that the bacterial strains that are most useful for detecting oil and uranium are known to interact with these substrates, indicating that this statistical approach uncovers ecologically meaningful interactions consistent with previous experimental observations. Future efforts should focus on evaluating the geographical generalizability of these associations. Taken as a whole, these results indicate that ubiquitous, natural bacterial communities can be used as in situ environmental sensors that respond to and capture perturbations caused by human impacts. These in situ biosensors rely on environmental selection rather than directed engineering, and so this approach could be rapidly deployed and scaled as sequencing technology continues to become faster, simpler, and less expensive. IMPORTANCE: Here we show that DNA from natural bacterial communities can be used as a quantitative biosensor to accurately distinguish unpolluted sites from those contaminated with uranium, nitrate, or oil. These results indicate that bacterial communities can be used as environmental sensors that respond to and capture perturbations caused by human impacts.