Modeling of ¹⁴C Vertical Distribution in Bottom Sediments of the Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant Cooling Reservoir

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

The paper is describing model of radiocarbon cycling processes in lake Drūkšiai and retrospective estimates discharges of ¹⁴C from the Ignalina NPP using the alkali-soluble and alkali-insoluble ¹⁴C organic fractions from the lake sediments measurement. Radionuclide releases from NPPs to environment are always of big interest and therefore are strictly monitored during the operation of NPPs.

This paper offers original and interesting estimation of ¹⁴C releases from Ignalina NPP, by using described model and sediments data from lake Drūkšiai, that was used as a reservoir of cooling water during operational.

In my opinion, it is well written paper with actual and interesting topic.

I have just few comments for the authors,

• I suppose the “This is a figure.” and “This is a table.” in each (except figures in appendix) figure and table descriptions are required by the journal.
• I would suggest marking the second bomb peak of ¹⁴C in the Figure 3 for better identification, mentioned in row 185, 186.
• I would use “The aim of this” in row 69
• I would use “pathways as well as determines” in row 76
• Mistype “between 10 and 12.” In row 215
• Mistype “values of deposited” in row 229
• I would use "data as well as associated uncertainties" in row 244
• Mistype “¹⁴C specific activity” in description of figure 4, in row 341 and 342
• Mistype “Světlík” in row 444

Author Response

We are very grateful for your comments.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 2 Report

The manuscript's content is interesting. The methodology used and the results obtained are clear and well-reasoned. I have a few minor points to make.

1. What is the depth of the main sediment core sampled at the most profound depression of Lake Drūkšiai? Are the sediments uncovered by the core only organic, or is it a mixture of organic and mineral sediments? If mineral sediments are present, characterize them. Are these heterogeneous sediments or homogeneous sediment (including features of their particle size distribution)?
2. Please recheck the manuscript's text so that all geographical names mentioned in it are displayed on the map in Figure 1.
3. Figure 1 caption: "… triangles 1 and 6 angle"?
4. Based on the title of the manuscript, your conclusions or methodological approaches claim universality regarding their use for monitoring the quality of lake waters, which are used as coolers for NPP rectors. Let the reader know more clearly what this universality is. If this is a particular case, it is advisable to correct the title of the manuscript.
5. Please do not write "This is a figure." in figure captions and "This is a table." in tables.

Author Response

We are very grateful for your comments.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf