Meta-analysis of radiocesium contamination data in Japanese cedar and cypress forests over the period 2011–2017

Abstract

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Influence of non-equilibrium sorption on the vertical migration of 137Cs in forest mineral soils of Fukushima Prefecture

“…Our study demonstrated that an equilibrium-kinetic parameterization of sorption may improve the assessment of 137Cs migration in post-accidental situations. From an extensive dataset covering 4 plots over 5 years (2013)(2014)(2015)(2016)(2017)(2018), an inverse analysis of the vertical migration of 137Cs in the mineral layers of Japanese cedar soils allowed us to reach several conclusions. From a methodological standpoint, this study also demonstrated that hypotheses and parameters of 137Cs sorption can be partially inferred from profiles measured in situ.…”

“…4). Cesium-137 root uptake was not considered in this compartment approach because it had little influence on the dynamics of soil inventories in Japanese cedar stands over the period 2011-2017 (Gonze et al, 2021).…”

“…File AppendixB.xlsx Table S1. Measured depth profiles of dry density, water content and 137Cs activity on plots YC1-YC4 (2013)(2014)(2015)(2016)(2017)(2018). ) or simultaneously on all plots (column YC).…”

“…Alternative equilibrium-kinetic (EK) hypotheses of 137Cs sorption/desorption have been suggested by laboratory experiments but have not been fully validated in field conditions. This work addressed the influence and magnitude of non-equilibrium 137Cs sorption in field conditions by reinterpreting, with an inverse approach, series of 137Cs profiles measured in mineral soils of forest plots located in Fukushima Prefecture (2013)(2014)(2015)(2016)(2017)(2018). Our results show that the inclusion of non-equilibrium sorption significantly improves, compared to the equilibrium hypothesis, the realism of simulated 137Cs profiles.…”

Mode of Atmospheric Deposition in Forests Demonstrates Notable Differences in Initial Radiocesium Behavior

“…Radiocesium deposition was greatest in forested areas of Fukushima. Radiocesium in the forested areas was expected to recycle in the ecosystem for a long period. ,, Most radiocesium was expected to be trapped by the forest canopy and gradually move to organic and mineral soil layers, similar to the CNPP accident. ,,− However, studies demonstrated that radiocesium behavior within Fukushima forests were dependent on tree species composition, , interactions between neighboring trees, spatial distribution of stems, vegetation biomass, and hydrological processes , that escalated the transport of particulates from plant canopies to forest floors . These factors, in addition to deposition mode, introduce multiple challenges in predicting radiocesium behavior and estimating radioactivity levels in forests. ,, No studies have compared contamination measurement data to the initial mode of atmospheric deposition while considering various forest stand characteristics.…”