We characterized the physical transport of soil, and therefore contaminants attached to the soil, onto vegetative surfaces due to rainsplash. Soil accumulation by tomato plants (Lycopersicon esculentum) was investigated as a function of soil particle size, rainstorm characteristics, foliage height, surface area and canopy cover of the plants. No soil particles greater than 105 micron in diameter were detected on the plants. Most of the soil was splashed no higher than 40 cm above the ground surface. Linear relationships were observed for concentrations of less than 53 micron soil on vegetation and certain rainfall characteristics. Data from this study, as well as ancillary calculations, provide evidence that a significant fraction of surficial contamination of foliage may be attributed to the rainsplash mechanism.
Data from several field studies of plutonium were evaluated to identify environmental factors that result in redistribution of this element within ecosystems.When released to terrestrial ecosystems, plutonium is almost quantitively transferred to and retained by soils. Thus, processes which transport soil within ecosystems predominate in the transport of environmental plutonium.Erosion of soils by wind and water is the principal means of translational movement of plutonium within terrestrial ecosystems. Soil erosion processes also dominate in the transport of soil plutonium to biological surfaces particularly in arid and semi-arid regions of the US.Understanding the relationships between soil erosional processes and plutonium transport within ecosystems is essential for prediction of plutonium fate and effects.
Thyroids from mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) were collected in New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming and Idaho and 129I/127I atom ratios were determined. Iodine-129/127 atom ratios were significantly (P less than 0.005) different among states. Ratios in Wyoming and Idaho control thyroids were significantly (P less than 0.05) larger than ratios in New Mexico and Colorado. Fallout from past atmospheric nuclear tests at the Nevada Test Site is suggested as a possible explanation for the differences in ratios. Average 129I/127I ratios in thyroids of other large mammals collected 54 km west and 116 km northeast of the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory (INEL) in south eastern Idaho were up to 15 times those found in control thyroid samples from Idaho. Atmospheric effluents from the Idaho Chemical Processing Plant located on the INEL were likely responsible for the increased ratios in animals collected in the INEL vicinity. Although of no health consequence to the animals, 129I in deer thyroids may be a sensitive indicator of contaminants from nuclear fuel reprocessing plants and atmospheric nuclear tests or accidents.
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