Fall out and radionuclide analysis on the Pratas Island in South China Sea

The radionuclide concentration in environmental samples and radiation level on Pratas Island are measured prior to the commercial operation of Da-Ya Bay Nuclear Power Plant nearby. Except for some minute amount of⁶⁰Co and¹⁵⁷Cs, radiation background is mainly from naturally occurring radionuclides. Automatic radiation surveillance and a routine sampling program on Pratas Island are essential to provide early warning for Taiwan in case of nuclear emergency.