The distribution of 137Cs, K, Rb and Cs in plants in a Sphagnum-dominated peatland in eastern central Sweden

Holocene vegetation history and human impact in the eastern Italian Alps: a multi-proxy study on the Coltrondo peat bog, Comelico Superiore, Italy

“…The relatively high 137 Cs inventory (> 3,500 Bq m −2 ) suggests that a significant fraction of it derives from fallout from the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear reactor explosion, especially the part above 14 cm. However, some irregularities are visible in the first 8 cm of the core, probably due to the biological activity of the surface vegetation (Vinichuk et al 2010). Finally, there is no clear record of the 1963 nuclear weapons test fallout maximum.…”

Cesium (137Cs and 133Cs), Potassium and Rubidium in Macromycete Fungi and Sphagnum Plants

“…Some results are published in a series of several articles in collaboration with Profs K.J. Johanson, H. Rydin and Dr. A. Taylor (Vinichuk et al, 2004;2010a;2010b;. This chapter aims to summarize the acquired knowledge from studies in Sweden and to place them in a larger context.…”

“…The specific aim was to compare the distribution of 137 Cs, K, Rb and 133 Cs in the uppermost capitulum and subapical segments of Sphagnum mosses to be able to discuss the possible mechanisms involved in radiocesium uptake and retention within Sphagnum plants. Most results obtained in this study are published in collaboration with Prof. H. Rydin (Vinichuk et al, 2010a).…”

Long-term effects of single potassium fertilization on 137Cs levels in plants and fungi in a boreal forest ecosystem

“…The combination of high 137 Cs activity concentrations in food products derived from forest ecosystems and the long effective ecological half-life of 137 Cs in forest ecosystems can result in high time-integrated intake of 137 Cs by humans through local non-commercial consumption of berries, fungi, moose and roe deer. 137 Cs uptake by plant species, particularly those belonging to the Ericaceae family such as heather (Calluna vulgaris), has decreased over the past 15e20 years but is still rather high, compared to other vascular species, such as cloudberry (Rubus chamaemorus), bog bean (Menyanthes trifoliate) and cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccus and Vaccinium microcarpon) (Rosén et al, 2009;Vinichuk et al, 2010a). Lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) and bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) have been shown to have high uptake of 137 Cs (Johanson and Kardell, 1996) and these species are important feed plants for moose and roe deer.…”