Pine (Pinus Sylvestris L.) as tool for ecological monitoring of natural (40K, 226Ra, 232Th) and artificial radioisotopes (137Cs) in soil

Abstract

This chapter gives information about transport of both natural radioisotopes (226Ra, 232Th, 40K) and technogenic radioisotope (137Cs) in a system soil-tree. Concentration of natural radionuclides in the soil depends on the soil type whereas human activity is the most important source of artificial radionuclides. After the Chernobyl accident variation of 137Cs in Lithuanian soils is uneven. The chapter analyses accumulation of 137Cs in Scots pines grown in differently contaminated sites. Selected sites also varied in the soil types and climate conditions. The work mostly aimed to determine accumulation patterns of different radioisotopes in pines during their vegetation periods. Results of investigations, rate of radionuclide accumulation in pinewood as well as affecting factors are described in this chapter.