Investigation and assessment of Cs-137 and K-40 accumulation in vegetable segments

Abstract

Our article deals with the accumulation of artificial (Cs-137) and natural (K-40) radionuclides in the segments of carrots (Daucus carota L.), potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L), beet (Beta vulgaris L), and head cabbage (Brassica oleracea L.). The main physical properties of soils and their possible impact on the specific activity of Cs-137 and K-40 in vegetables have been determined. The specific activities of Cs-137 and K-40 in the soil and vegetable segments were measured; transfer (TB) and Cs-137 discrimination (DP) factors were identified. It was determined that artificial radionuclide Cs-137 transfer factors from the soil to vegetable segments were subject to fluctuate from 0.02 to 0.39. The accumulation of natural radionuclide 4 K in vegetable segments is almost three times more intensive than that of artificial "7Cs the values of the 4 K transfer factor varied from 0.06 to 1.32. The Cs-137 discrimination factor (DF) in vegetable segments ranged from 0.01 to 1.07.