Abstract
Cesium-137 (Cs-137) activity concentration in cow milk samples, collected near the former Semipalatinsk nuclear test site (SNTS) in Kazakhstan were measured.Milk samples were obtained from 7 different locations within 2 administrative regions (Abai and Ayaguz).Abai and Ayaguz regions belong to different zones of radiation risk: zone of maximum radiation risk and zone of heightened radiation risk, respectively.Radionuclide activities concentrations were determined using a gamma-ray spectrometer with pure germanium detector.The highest activity concentration values in milk were found in Karaul of Abai region 8.60±0.16Bq/l.In Zhidebai, Kaskabulak, Kokbai and Medeu the Cs-137 activity concentration were 5.30±0.21Bq/l, 4.10±0.12Bq/l, 7.10±0.22Bq/l and 3.70±0.14Bq/l, respectively.In Ayaguz region the average value was 3.60 Bq/L.In this zone, the highest activity concentration was measured in Akshatau 6.60±0.27Bq/l.In Ayaguz Cs-137 content was lower 2.60±0.09Bq/l.