Chernobyl Pollution in Forest Biogeocenoses

Abstract

Chernobyl /Fall-out /Radioactivity in plants/ 13 7 Cs/ 134 Cs ratio AbstractThe effects of the Chernobyl pollution on forest biogeocènoses are described. Spruce, scotch pine, larch, beech, lichens and soils samples were analysed by high resolution gamma-spectrometry. In the established tree organs radioactivity was related to their structural and physiological features, as well as to their surface/dry weight ratios. In the developing organs growth dilution and translocation caused a lower radioactivity. Lichens retained remarkable amounts of radionuclides. The abnormal 13, Cs/ l34 Cs ratios in the organic soils were explained by analysing the "before Chernobyl" soils sampled in the same area.

Equilibrium of radiocesium with stable cesium within the biological cycle of contaminated forest ecosystems

“…High concentrations of radiocesium in mushrooms have been reported in many countries (e.g. Haselwandter et al, 1988;Baldini et al, 1989;Yoshida and Muramatsu, 1994). The mushrooms collected in this study (Boletus edulis in Babchin and Russula vesca in Korenevka) were mycorrhizal fungi, which have their mycelia in the organic layer of the soil.…”

“…Higher concentrations of radiocesium in mushrooms were observed in comparison to other plants in the forests (e.g. Haselwandter et al, 1988;Baldini et al, 1989;Yoshida and Muramatsu, 1994). More than a decade after deposition on Chernobyl fallout, radiocesium is still localized mainly in the organic soil layers, and radiocesium contamination of forest products is still high in contrast to agricultural products.…”

Radiocesium accumulation in mosses from highlands of Serbia and Montenegro: chemical and physiological aspects

“…This can be explained by the fact that annual means of precipitation under European conditions mostly rise with altitude. These systems present almost closed biogeocenoses, with efficient cycling of nutrients, where the level of radioactive contamination remains high for a long time (Baldini et al, 1989). Table 1 shows wide variations in 137 Cs activity levels in mosses.…”

Radionuclide transfer to fruit in the IAEA TRS No. 472

“…At the resumption of growth, a portion of the plant reservoir can be remobilised from the inventory of the plant to fruits, leaves and shoots. This process is assumed to be responsible for residual fruit contamination in perennial fruit trees in the first few years after contamination, a hypothesis supported by data from various authors [12][13][14][15][16]. Therefore, the …”