Presents a radiocaesium deposition pattern over Ireland resulting from the Chernobyl accident. Contaminated grassland soils from over 110 sites were analysed using gamma ray spectrometry. 134Cs, 137Cs and 40K were measured in all samples. The Chernobyl 137Cs was identified using an initial Chernobyl fallout 137Cs to 134Cs ratio of 1.90. The results show a mean deposition level of 3.2 kBq m-2 of 137Cs due to Chernobyl. The range of deposition was from 0.3 to 14.2 kBq m-2. The distribution pattern is presented both on a National Grid sub-zone basis and a higher resolution shaded map. A similarly shaded map shows the rainfall levels responsible for most of the washout. It is pointed out that some areas on both east and west coasts with maximum rainfall did not have maximum caesium deposition. In other areas a better correlation between rainfall and caesium deposition exists. A mean figure for the pre-Chernobyl 137Cs in surface soil is provided.
Deposition data for caesium and ruthenium radionuclides in Ireland as a result of the Chernobyl accident were obtained by high-resolution gamma-ray spectrometry of soil samples taken at 111 locations throughout the country. Investigation of the relationships between deposition and recorded rainfall in relevant periods enabled an assessment to be made of the activity concentration within the plume during the wash-out phase. Detailed surveys in two regions of the country enabled a comparison to be made of the relative deposition of ruthenium and caesium isotopes. No evidence was found to suggest any difference in wash-out ratios for the two ruthenium isotopes.
Depth profile measurements of 137Cs and 134Cs were carried out in 11 permanent pastures that had been exposed to fallout from the Chernobyl accident. In addition to gamma-ray spectrometric analysis, the selected pastures were characterized by several soil parameters, the influence of which on transfer was investigated. Sampling of soil and pasture grass was undertaken during a period extending from the Spring of 1987 to the Autumn of 1988. The results show that there has been limited downward migration of Chernobyl-derived caesium. In October 1988 more than 88% of the 137Cs attributable to Chernobyl was mainly confined to the top 10 cm of undisturbed soil, with 79% on average in the top 5 cm. The distribution of pre-Chernobyl caesium at the 11 sites was also evaluated. In an investigation of the influence of soil parameters on transfer to grass, a negative correlation with pH was observed in 1987. In April 1987 concentration ratios for 137Cs in grass ranged from 0.03 to 0.49. In general, comparison of the concentration ratio values showed a decreasing trend over the 18 months.
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