When we think about nuclear technologies, we primarily imagine the most destructive weapons. Next in line are power plants, which can also pose deadly risks. Then there are more specialized and promising areas like space exploration. In any case, nuclear fission evokes awe and is perceived as something grandiose. And it is indeed so. However, there are also completely unexpected applications of nuclear technologies. You might have encountered some of them, although you may not have been aware of it.
Lake Chagan
On January 15, 1965, a new lake appeared in Kazakhstan as a result of a 140-kiloton nuclear explosion conducted for economic purposes. The experiment is considered partially successful. On one hand, a reservoir with a total volume of approximately 120 million cubic meters formed at the dried-up riverbed. It was intended to collect spring runoff and precipitation. However, when it comes to the use of nuclear technologies, there is always another side to the story. Radiation contamination in Lake Chagan exceeds the norm by 100 times even today — more than half a century later. Later, the crater formed was connected by an artificial canal to the Irtysh River tributary. A stone-earth dam was also constructed, but the water was never used for irrigation. In the case of complete success, if Lake Chagan had been deemed safe, Kazakhstan planned to create another 40, including larger, “atomic lakes.”
Urta-Bulak
This is the name of a gas field located in Uzbekistan, which gained worldwide fame due to two events. The first occurred in 1963 when, at a depth of 2,400 meters, a drilling operation struck a gas reservoir. A gas fountain erupted to the surface, ignited, and melted nearby infrastructure. The flame reached heights exceeding 100 meters, and the burning continued for 2 years and 9 months. Gas losses amounted to 12 million cubic meters per day. For comparison, heating an average home requires 5-6 cubic meters per year. Leningrad, with all its industrial capacity, consumed less gas than was lost due to the accident. Due to the high temperature, it was impossible to approach the well closer than 250 meters. During the winter, attempts were made to build a sand barrier, but it didn’t help solve the problem. The well was shelled with artillery. It became clear that the tactic was generally effective but required something much more powerful.
The second event occurred on September 30, 1966, with the decision personally approved by Leonid Ilyich Brezhnev. A charge was placed in a sloping tunnel at a depth of one and a half kilometers. The flame fountain extinguished 22 seconds after detonation. This method was subsequently used three more times to extinguish other gas fires.
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Radioactive Foxes
Operation “Fantasia” remained unimplemented. As World War II was drawing to a close, the Americans were looking for ways to bring an end to militaristic Japan, considering various options. An invasion of the main islands was seen as highly undesirable, with anticipated American military casualties estimated at 100-150 thousand. Moreover, large-scale operations often entail unforeseen complications, increasing costs and losses. There was no time for a trade blockade and slow suffocation, as the Soviets were already approaching Japan’s borders from China. The alternative was to subject the Land of the Rising Sun to nuclear strikes. Though not the best option, as public and global opinion would not be thrilled, what else could be done?
Ed Salinger from the intelligence agency proposed capturing foxes, painting them with glowing radioactive paint, and releasing them in Japan. Foxes hold significant cultural importance in Japanese folklore, akin to leprechauns in Ireland. The glowing kitsune (foxes) were intended to demoralize the imperial army while spreading radioactive contamination. The idea was abandoned due to the complexity of execution and the unpredictable reaction of the Japanese themselves.
Beneficial Radiation
Radiation is used to induce beneficial mutations in plants, including fruits and vegetables. It is also applied to extend the shelf life of food products. Naturally, this doesn’t mean growing apples near the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant. However, ionizing radiation kills microorganisms that breed on fruits, accelerating their decay. If you see the Radura logo on apples or bananas, it means they have undergone irradiation or ionizing radiation. The purpose of such treatment is to destroy E. coli, salmonella, and other foodborne bacteria that can cause serious illnesses and even death. The process is considered completely safe, at least according to the WHO and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Blue Topaz
Gem enthusiasts know that blue topaz is considered the birthstone for December. Most topazes are pale yellow or brown, although the color can vary toward more orange hues due to different impurities. Blue, however, is one of the rarest and most desirable colors. It looks very striking and is relatively affordable. Unlike other rare and beautiful stones that are prohibitively expensive, blue topaz is produced in special laboratories by irradiating stones of ordinary color. Interestingly, artificial blue topaz is more uniformly colored than its natural counterpart. Jewelers use this characteristic to determine the true value of a find or a piece of jewelry.
In the process of ion bombardment, electrons are knocked out of the stone, leading to a change in its crystal lattice. As a result, light passing through the crystal refracts differently, creating the blue color effect. The depth and richness of the shade depend on the degree of heating during irradiation. For some time after treatment, blue topaz remains hazardous. It takes several months for the radiation to fully decay.
