How We Fixed the Most Radioactive Place on Earth

Lake Karachi in Russia was once the most radioactive place on Earth due to poor waste management at the Mayak nuclear facility. The lake was used to store radioactive waste, leading to severe contamination. A 1957 explosion at the facility worsened the situation, spreading radioactive materials. Over time, the lake's contamination affected groundwater and air quality. Remediation efforts began in the 1970s, involving cementing the lake bed and filling it with concrete. By 2016, the lake was stabilized, though it remains a restricted area. The incident highlights the importance of safe nuclear waste disposal.

What was the primary reason for the extreme radioactivity of Lake Karachi?

• Natural geological formations

• Nuclear waste dumping from the Mayak facility

• Nearby volcanic activity

• Industrial pollution from nearby factories

What was the initial purpose of the Mayak nuclear facility?

• To provide medical isotopes for hospitals

• To generate electricity for the Soviet Union

• To produce plutonium for nuclear weapons

• To conduct nuclear fusion research

What caused the 1957 explosion at the Mayak facility?

• A natural earthquake

• A fire in the storage tanks

• A failure in the cooling system

• A terrorist attack

How was the radioactive waste from Lake Karachi initially managed?

• It was incinerated in a controlled environment

• It was transported to a remote desert

• It was dumped into the lake to cool

• It was safely stored in underground bunkers

What measures were taken to reduce the radioactivity of Lake Karachi?

• Trees were planted around the lake to absorb radiation

• The lake was covered with a plastic sheet

• Cement blocks and dense concrete were used to cover the lake

• The lake was drained and refilled with fresh water