Vertical distribution and inventories of 137Cs in the Syrian soils of the eastern Mediterranean region

Vertical migration studies of 137Cs from nuclear weapons fallout and the Chernobyl accident

“…It is believed that infiltration of rainwater makes the migration rather rapid in the early stage, to be decreased by sorption reactions in the soil matrix (Smith and Elder, 1999). Also, the transport could be unexpectedly fast in dry soils with a high clay content due to mass flows in cracks (Al-Masri, 2006;Forsberg, 2000). If a time dependence on the two parameters should be stated, this is due to the sorption, which might not be in equilibrium in the early phase after a deposition event, although this will probably not affect the results in the long-time period (Bossew and Kirchner, 2004).…”

“…The migration of 137 Cs in soil is a complicated process and is governed by many factors. Some of the most important are soil type, sorption behaviour, weather, land use, pH, application of countermeasures and the form of deposition (Al-Masri, 2006;Andersson and Roed, 1994;Arapis and Karandinos, 2004;Forsberg, 2000;Ivanov et al, 1997;Quang et al, 2004;Rosén et al, 1999;Sigurgeirsson et al, 2005). This behaviour is an important factor in the decision of appropriate countermeasures after a deposition event.…”

Distribution of artificial radionuclides in the Baltic seaside environment

“…The distribution peculiarities of radionuclides in environmental compartments are strongly influenced by media type, form of deposition, sorption behaviour [17][18][19][20]. The vertical profiles of radionuclides in both the surf zone and dunes may be influenced by the seawater wash (flooding), rainfall, and weathering of the top layer of soil.…”

Monitoring of 137Cs Fallout in Syrian Environment

“…Similarly, Syria has developed national standards (2007) for maximum allowable levels in food, feed and drinking water (Table 1). Al-Rayyes and Mamish (1999), Othman (1990) and Al-Masri (2006) reported data related to the concentrations of 137 Cs in some Syrian environmental samples collected after the Chernobyl accident. A high activity concentration of 137 Cs was noted in samples collected from the mountainous regions.…”

“…A high activity concentration of 137 Cs was noted in samples collected from the mountainous regions. Al-Masri (2006) studied the vertical distribution of 137 Cs in Syrian soil. It was mentioned that the 137 Cs vertical distribution is highly related to the type of soil, and that concentrations decrease with depth.…”