Radiocesium accumulation and natural depuration rate in thyme plant after the chernobyl accident

Abstract

134 Cs and 137 Cs concentrations in thyme product in different locations of West Anatolia in Turkey have been determined after the Chernobyl accident during 1986-1988. The highest accumulation of Cesium radionuclides were found in coastal areas of West Anatolia.The distribution of 134 Cs and 137 Cs in roots, stem and leaves was investigated in Origanum vulgare ssp. The present data set supports the view that the cesium uptake by plant was due to the foliar absorption rather than via the roots.The natural depuration rates of 137 Cs in Thymus sipyleus ssp are estimated as biological half-lives varying from 151 to 172 days.

Radiocesium Distribution in Bamboo Shoots after the Fukushima Nuclear Accident

“…However, we previously reported higher radiocesium activities in mature leaves than in young ones in bamboo plants 25–195 km from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant 4 months after the nuclear accident [7] , suggesting direct deposition of radiocesium fallout onto mature leaves. In addition, after the Chernobyl nuclear accident, studies of thyme plants ( Origanum vulgare L.) in Turkey suggested the importance of foliar absorption of radiocesium rather than root uptake [19] . Recently, following the Fukushima nuclear accident, granular radioactive spots have been observed on bamboo shoot skin as well as in the leaf litter [15] .…”