Distribution of 137Cs and 239, 240Pu activity in the recreation area surface soil

Abstract

The terrestrial area affected by nuclear trials and Chernobyl NPP accident has been investigated for remaining 137Cs and 239, 240Pu contamination. The study provides information on the inhomogeneous spatial distribution of 137Cs and 239, 240Pu in the surface soil of sandy beach and forest areas at the altic coast. A significant increase in 137Cs and 239, 240Pu activity concentration and their large fluctuation at different sampling points in the forest compared to beach sand were observed. An evident effect of organic matter on 137Cs and 239, 240Pu retention in soil was obseved.