RETRACTED ARTICLE: Release, deposition and elimination of radiocesium (137Cs) in the terrestrial environment

Abstract

Radionuclide contamination in terrestrial ecosystems has reached a dangerous level. The major artificial radionuclide present in the environment is (137)Cs, which is released as a result of weapon production related to atomic projects, accidental explosions of nuclear power plants and other sources, such as reactors, evaporation ponds, liquid storage tanks, and burial grounds. The release of potentially hazardous radionuclides (radiocesium) in recent years has provided the opportunity to conduct multidisciplinary studies on their fate and transport. Radiocesium's high fission yield and ease of detection made it a prime candidate for early radio-ecological investigations. The facility setting provides a diverse background for the improved understanding of various factors that contribute toward the fate and transfer of radionuclides in the terrestrial ecosystem. In this review, we summarize the significant environmental radiocesium transfer factors to determine the damaging effects of radiocesium on terrestrial ecosystem. It has been found that (137)Cs can trace the transport of other radionuclides that have a high affinity for binding to soil particles (silts and clays). Possible remedial methods are also discussed for contaminated terrestrial systems. This review will serve as a guideline for future studies of the fate and transport of (137)Cs in terrestrial environments in the wake of the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant disaster in 2011.

Cesium in Biology, Pancreatic Cancer, and Controversy in High and Low Radiation Exposure Damage—Scientific, Environmental, Geopolitical, and Economic Aspects

“…The accumulated concentration of chemicals or radionuclides increases then more rapidly than their removal by excretion and metabolism. It is greater in carnivores than in herbivores [26].…”

“…In recent years, considerable interest has been applied to the fate and transport of radionuclides, especially after Chernobyl (1986) and Fukushima Daiichi (2011) Nuclear Power Plant disasters. These accidents led to the release of large amounts of radionuclides into terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems [26]. Ingestion of radiocesium can lead to severe acute pancreatitis (and also to an excess of secondary diabetes of pancreatic origin (type 3c), in contaminated population) as reported after a few months in Fukushima prefecture by "Japan Intractable Diseases Information Center, 2014" [27].…”

“…The accumulated concentration of chemicals or radionuclides increases then more rapidly than their removal by excretion and metabolism. It is greater in carnivores than in herbivores [26]. Autoradiogram showing 137-Cs distribution in a pregnant mouse 6 h after intravenous injection.…”

“…In livestock farming, another countermeasure against 137-Cs is to feed to animals 'Prussian Blue', which prevents the chelated radiocesium from being recycled. It is useful also for the treatment of humans [26].…”

A Review on Elemental and Isotopic Geochemistry

“…Radioactive and stable isotopes have consequences on humans, both directly and as tracers of processes, that affect their well-being. Human activities such as nuclear weapons, testing, and accidents have released certain radioactive isotopes into the environment [35]. The majority are naturally formed, both from the earth's original composition and through the ongoing synthesis of U isotopes and Th by cosmic rays, which produce a variety of radioactive daughters and 40 K in biological systems and the environment.…”