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Wasserman NL, Merino N, Coutelot F, Kaplan DI, Powell BA, Kersting AB, Zavarin M. Sources, seasonal cycling, and fate of plutonium in a seasonally stratified and radiologically contaminated pond. Sci Rep 2023; 13:11046. [PMID: 37422457 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-37276-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Unlike short-term laboratory experiments, studies at sites historically contaminated with radionuclides can provide insight into contaminant migration behavior at environmentally-relevant decadal timescales. One such site is Pond B, a seasonally stratified reservoir within Savannah River Site (SC, USA) has low levels (μBq L-1) of plutonium in the water column. Here, we evaluate the origin of plutonium using high-precision isotope measurements, investigate the impact of water column geochemistry on plutonium cycling during different stratification periods, and re-evaluate long-term mass balance of plutonium in the pond. New isotopic data confirm that reactor-derived plutonium overwhelms input from Northern Hemisphere fallout at this site. Two suggested mechanisms for observed plutonium cycling in the water column include: (1) reductive dissolution of sediment-derived Fe(III)-(oxyhydr)oxides during seasonal stratification and (2) plutonium stabilization complexed strongly to Fe(III)-particulate organic matter (POM) complexes. While plutonium may be mobilized to a limited extent by stratification and reductive dissolution, peak plutonium concentrations are in shallow waters and associated with Fe(III)-POM at the inception of stratification. This suggests that plutonium release from sediments during stratification is not the dominant mechanism driving plutonium cycling in the pond. Importantly, our analysis suggests that the majority is retained in shallow sediments and may become increasingly recalcitrant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi L Wasserman
- Glenn T. Seaborg Institute, Physical and Life Sciences Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, 7000 East Ave, L-231, Livermore, CA, 94550, USA.
| | - Nancy Merino
- Glenn T. Seaborg Institute, Physical and Life Sciences Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, 7000 East Ave, L-231, Livermore, CA, 94550, USA.
| | - Fanny Coutelot
- Department of Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, Clemson University, Anderson, SC, 29625, USA
- Center for Nuclear Environmental Engineering Sciences and Radioactive Waste Management, Clemson University, Anderson, SC, 29625, USA
| | | | - Brian A Powell
- Department of Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, Clemson University, Anderson, SC, 29625, USA
- Center for Nuclear Environmental Engineering Sciences and Radioactive Waste Management, Clemson University, Anderson, SC, 29625, USA
- Savannah River National Laboratory, Aiken, SC, 29625, USA
| | - Annie B Kersting
- Glenn T. Seaborg Institute, Physical and Life Sciences Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, 7000 East Ave, L-231, Livermore, CA, 94550, USA
| | - Mavrik Zavarin
- Glenn T. Seaborg Institute, Physical and Life Sciences Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, 7000 East Ave, L-231, Livermore, CA, 94550, USA
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Li Z, He Y, Sonne C, Lam SS, Kirkham MB, Bolan N, Rinklebe J, Chen X, Peng W. A strategy for bioremediation of nuclear contaminants in the environment. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 319:120964. [PMID: 36584860 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Radionuclides released from nuclear contamination harm the environment and human health. Nuclear pollution spread over large areas and the costs associated with decontamination is high. Traditional remediation methods include both chemical and physical, however, these are expensive and unsuitable for large-scale restoration. Bioremediation is the use of plants or microorganisms to remove pollutants from the environment having a lower cost and can be upscaled to eliminate contamination from soil, water and air. It is a cheap, efficient, ecologically, and friendly restoration technology. Here we review the sources of radionuclides, bioremediation methods, mechanisms of plant resistance to radionuclides and the effects on the efficiency of biological adsorption. Uptake of radionuclides by plants can be facilitated by the addition of appropriate chemical accelerators and agronomic management, such as citric acid and intercropping. Future research should accelerate the use of genetic engineering and breeding techniques to screen high-enrichment plants. In addition, field experiments should be carried out to ensure that this technology can be applied to the remediation of nuclear contaminated sites as soon as possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaolin Li
- Henan Province International Collaboration Lab of Forest Resources Utilization, School of Forestry, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002, China
| | - Yifeng He
- Henan Province International Collaboration Lab of Forest Resources Utilization, School of Forestry, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002, China
| | - Christian Sonne
- Henan Province International Collaboration Lab of Forest Resources Utilization, School of Forestry, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002, China; Department of Ecoscience, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, DK-4000, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Su Shiung Lam
- Higher Institution Centre of Excellence (HICoE), Institute of Tropical Aquaculture and Fisheries (AKUATROP), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | | | - Nanthi Bolan
- UWA School of Agriculture and Environment, The UWA Institute of Agriculture, M079, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Jörg Rinklebe
- Henan Province International Collaboration Lab of Forest Resources Utilization, School of Forestry, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002, China; University of Wuppertal, School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Institute of Foundation, Engineering, Water and Waste Management, Laboratory of Soil and Groundwater Management, Pauluskirchstraße 7, 42285, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Xiangmeng Chen
- Henan Province International Collaboration Lab of Forest Resources Utilization, School of Forestry, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002, China
| | - Wanxi Peng
- Henan Province International Collaboration Lab of Forest Resources Utilization, School of Forestry, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002, China.
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Singh BSM, Dhal NK, Kumar M, Mohapatra D, Seshadri H, Rout NC, Nayak M. Phytoremediation of 137Cs: factors and consequences in the environment. RADIATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL BIOPHYSICS 2022; 61:341-359. [PMID: 35869396 DOI: 10.1007/s00411-022-00985-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Radionuclide contamination is a concerning threat due to unexpected nuclear disasters and authorized discharge of radioactive elements, both in the past and in present times. Use of atomic power for energy generation is associated with unresolved issues concerning storage of residues and contaminants. For example, the nuclear accidents in Chernobyl 1986 and Fukushima 2011 resulted in considerable deposition of cesium (Cs) in soil, along with other radionuclides. Among Cs radioactive variants, the anthropogenic radioisotope 137Cs (t½ = 30.16 years) is of serious environmental concern, owing to its rapid incorporation into biological systems and emission of β and γ radiation during the decaying process. To remediate contaminated areas, mostly conventional techniques are applied that are not eco-friendly. Hence, an alternative green technology, i.e., phytoremediation, should in future be considered and implemented. This sustainable technology generates limited secondary waste and its objectives are to utilize hyper-accumulating plants to extract, stabilize, degrade, and filter the radionuclides. The review highlights plant mechanisms for up-taking radionuclides and influences of different environmental factors involved in the process, while considering its long-term effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- B S Manisha Singh
- Environment and Sustainability Department, CSIR-IMMT, Bhubaneshwar, 751013, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), CSIR-Human Resource Development Centre, (CSIR-HRDC) Campus, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, 201002, India
| | - Nabin Kumar Dhal
- Environment and Sustainability Department, CSIR-IMMT, Bhubaneshwar, 751013, India.
| | - Manish Kumar
- Environment and Sustainability Department, CSIR-IMMT, Bhubaneshwar, 751013, India
| | | | | | - Nirad Chandra Rout
- Environment and Sustainability Department, CSIR-IMMT, Bhubaneshwar, 751013, India
| | - Monalisha Nayak
- Atomic Energy Regulatory Board, Niyamak Bhavan, Mumbai, Anushakti nagar, 400094, India
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Kazakevičiūtė-Jakučiūnienė L, Druteikienė R, Maceika E, Lukšienė B, Juškėnas R, Pakštas V, Žukauskaitė Z, Gvozdaitė R, Tarasiuk N. Impact of soil organic matter on Pu migration in five Lithuanian surface soils. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2021; 237:106702. [PMID: 34284309 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2021.106702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2020] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Pu distribution coefficient Kd variation was experimentally determined and examined in natural soil samples considering the type of soil, particle size, pH, the concentration of macroelements and organic matter content. This research was carried out with sand, silty sand, peat, clayey sand and clayey loam samples by applying 236Pu tracer in flow-through column tests. Due to relatively short contact time of 0.5-40 h the tests are considered as have not reached equilibrium state and represent the fast-moving contaminants retardation processes closer to field conditions. Every soil sample was fractionated into two particle size fractions: ≤0.25 mm and 0.25 ÷ 0.5 mm. Analysis revealed that Kd of Pu is higher for the smaller soil particle fraction (≤0.25 mm). The experimental study with 1.6, 4, 6 and 9 pH tracer solution revealed a tendency of elevated Kd when 4 pH and 6 pH solutions were applied, but obtained Kd values were not correlated with initial soil pH due to high buffering capacity of soils. This study shows a very significant influence (r = 0.98) of organic matter content on the Pu distribution coefficient. The Kd of Pu for the fine fraction of peat soil with high organic matter content (67%) reached maximum values of 6597 L/kg and 6200 L/kg when tracer solution was applied of pH = 4 and pH = 6, respectively. In comparison, the minimum Kd value of 3.9 L/kg was obtained for the coarse silty sand fraction with the lowest organic matter content of 1.3% at tracer pH = 1.6. A statistically reliable high correlations of r = 0.95 and 0.94 were also observed between Kd and specific soil elements Mg and Pb content in soils, respectively. The content of Fe in soils was significantly correlated (r = 0.67) with the Kd values of plutonium as well. However, the organic matter content in soils appeared to be the governing factor determining good correlations and causing the highest Kd of Pu values.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rūta Druteikienė
- State Research Institute Center for Physical and Technological Sciences, Savanoriu av. 231, LT-02300, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Evaldas Maceika
- State Research Institute Center for Physical and Technological Sciences, Savanoriu av. 231, LT-02300, Vilnius, Lithuania.
| | - Benedikta Lukšienė
- State Research Institute Center for Physical and Technological Sciences, Savanoriu av. 231, LT-02300, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Remigijus Juškėnas
- State Research Institute Center for Physical and Technological Sciences, Savanoriu av. 231, LT-02300, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Vidas Pakštas
- State Research Institute Center for Physical and Technological Sciences, Savanoriu av. 231, LT-02300, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Zita Žukauskaitė
- State Research Institute Center for Physical and Technological Sciences, Savanoriu av. 231, LT-02300, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Rasa Gvozdaitė
- State Research Institute Center for Physical and Technological Sciences, Savanoriu av. 231, LT-02300, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Nikolaj Tarasiuk
- State Research Institute Center for Physical and Technological Sciences, Savanoriu av. 231, LT-02300, Vilnius, Lithuania
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Yakovlev E, Spirov R, Druzhinin S, Ocheretenko A, Druzhinina A, Mishchenko E, Zhukovskaya E. Atmospheric fallout of radionuclides in peat bogs in the Western Segment of the Russian Arctic. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:25460-25478. [PMID: 33459983 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-12224-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
This article presents the results of studies of the activity of radionuclides in peat-bog profiles of the European subarctic of Russia. Two peat profiles were collected in different areas of the Arkhangelsk region. The peat cores were used to determine 210Pb, 137Cs, 241Am, 239Pu, 240Pu, 238U, and 234U content. To estimate the relationship between radionuclide activity and physicochemical parameters of peat, the content of organic matter, water-soluble salts, carbonates and ash, and the pH of aqueous and salt extracts were studied. Radionuclide activity concentrations in peat samples were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), low-background semiconductor gamma spectrometry with a high-purity germanium (HPGe) detector, and alpha spectrometry. The 210Pb chronology of peat cores was studied using a constant flow model based on the Monte Carlo simulation method. Comparison of 210Pb dating data showed that the position of the maximum activity peaks of anthropogenic radionuclides shifted along the peat profile. This is probably due to the relative mobility of different radionuclides in the peat massif. Measurement of the atomic ratio 240Pu/239Pu showed that the main sources of pollution in the peatlands of the European subarctic of Russia are global fallout from atmospheric tests from the 1950s through 1980 and fallout from the Chernobyl nuclear accident in 1986. This study shows that a complex of radioactive isotopes in peat deposits can provide valuable information on the environmental pollution loads of subarctic territories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evgeny Yakovlev
- N. Laverov Federal Centre for Integrated Arctic Research of Russian Academy of Sciences, 109 Severnoj Dviny Emb., Arkhangelsk, Russia, 163000.
| | - Ruslan Spirov
- Institute of Radiobiology of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, 4 Feduninskogo st., Gomel, 246007, Republic of Belarus
| | - Sergey Druzhinin
- N. Laverov Federal Centre for Integrated Arctic Research of Russian Academy of Sciences, 109 Severnoj Dviny Emb., Arkhangelsk, Russia, 163000
| | - Alina Ocheretenko
- N. Laverov Federal Centre for Integrated Arctic Research of Russian Academy of Sciences, 109 Severnoj Dviny Emb., Arkhangelsk, Russia, 163000
| | - Anna Druzhinina
- N. Laverov Federal Centre for Integrated Arctic Research of Russian Academy of Sciences, 109 Severnoj Dviny Emb., Arkhangelsk, Russia, 163000
| | - Egor Mishchenko
- Institute of Radiobiology of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, 4 Feduninskogo st., Gomel, 246007, Republic of Belarus
| | - Evgeniya Zhukovskaya
- Institute of Radiobiology of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, 4 Feduninskogo st., Gomel, 246007, Republic of Belarus
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Kuzmenkova NV, Rozhkova AK, Vorobyova TA. Aerosol activity measurements associated with the burning of peat materials (evacuation zone of the Bryansk Region). JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2020; 216:106184. [PMID: 32056794 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2020.106184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2019] [Revised: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
In April and August 2015, a massive fire occurred in the Chernobyl Exclusion zone. The fire spread to neighboring areas due to the prevailing strong winds. In this paper, we analyze the peat fires as a unique source of radioactive contamination. After an expedition directly to the peat fire site (the evacuation zone of the Bryansk region), we collected a number of aerosol samples. We came to the conclusion that peat fires cannot be the reason for radioactive particle transport in the Bryansk region as well as in the Chernobyl evacuation zone. During the peat fire, radioactive contamination was not transferred by aerosols beyond 500 m. The 137Cs concentration in the aerosol filters varied between 0.55 and 0.64 Bq/m3, and that at the same distance from the fire seat and peat edge was 4.4∙10-3 Bq/m3; the activity values in the peat bog and in the nearest inhabited locality did not exceed the background values. Strontium-90 was not found in aerosol samples. The soil-to-air transport rate of 137Cs was 2.7∙10-6. After the Chernobyl accident, the majority of the 137Cs was incorporated into the structure of clay minerals, and these did not change during the peat fire. The mobility of 137Cs in the flight peat material particles was established. To confirm the territory status of the evacuation zone, we also collected some food samples. Berries and mushrooms consumed at the assumed rate for dose estimation would result in doses that exceed the public dose limit by approximately a factor of five.
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Affiliation(s)
- N V Kuzmenkova
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, Chemistry Department, Moscow, Russia.
| | - A K Rozhkova
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, Chemistry Department, Moscow, Russia
| | - T A Vorobyova
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, Geography Department, Moscow, Russia
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Guo B, Wang J, Lin C, He M, Ouyang W. Anthropogenic and lithogenic fluxes of atmospheric lead deposition over the past 3600 years from a peat bog, Changbai Mountains, China. CHEMOSPHERE 2019; 227:225-236. [PMID: 30991197 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.04.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Revised: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 04/07/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Ombrotrophic peatlands are widely used to reconstruct atmospheric metal deposition histories. Here, we estimated the long-term atmospheric Pb deposition flux using ombrotrophic peatland data from the Changbai Mountains, northeast China. A peat profile of 320-cm depth was sampled and cut into 164 slices for measurement of Pb and other elements by ICP-MS and ICP-AES and radiometric dating by 210Pb, 137Cs and 14C. Pb concentration in the peat ranged from 2.18 to 68.33 mg kg-1, while the atmospheric Pb deposition flux ranged from 0.12 to 12.49 mg m-2 a-1. The Little Ice Age (cold and wet climate) led to low Pb concentration, Pb/Sc ratio, and Pb deposition flux (4.40 ± 0.70 mg kg-1, 2.04 ± 0.38, and 0.28 ± 0.09 mg m-2 a-1, respectively). On the other hand, intense volcanic eruptions resulted in high Pb concentration, Pb/Sc ratio, and P flux (54.48 ± 13.08 mg kg-1, 7.85 ± 2.09, and 8.15 ± 2.85 mg m-2 a-1, respectively). In addition, rapid economic development since the 1980s resulted in a gradual increase of anthropogenic Pb concentration from 1.54 mg kg-1 to 5.85 mg kg-1; thus, the anthropogenic Pb deposition flux (0.43 ± 0.21 mg m-2 a-1) was high during this period. In general, peat Pb concentration and atmospheric Pb deposition fluxes in this region have been affected by climate change, volcanic eruptions, and human activities. It was further demonstrated that atmospheric Pb emissions and deposition in China decreased since leaded gasoline was phased out in 2001. The results are critical to understand the geochemistry of Pb and to assess the effects of human activities on atmospheric Pb emissions and deposition in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bobo Guo
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Jing Wang
- School of Resource and Environmental Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430079, China
| | - Chunye Lin
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China.
| | - Mengchang He
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Wei Ouyang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
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Mihalik J, Madruga MJ, Casimiro MH, Ferreira LM, Prudêncio MI. Redistribution of Cs 137 introduced into montmorillonite in association with organic matter coming from biomass composting. CHEMOSPHERE 2018; 207:147-153. [PMID: 29793026 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2018.05.078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2017] [Revised: 04/16/2018] [Accepted: 05/13/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The adsorption and later bioavailability of 137Cs from the system humic acid (HA)/humic acid like compounds (HALC) and montmorillonite was investigated. The setup of the experiments should approach as much as possible natural conditions when 137Cs is introduced into soil with HALC from decomposed biomass. The significant differences were found in the trials containing various HA/HALC and also pure montmorillonite. The 137Cs was more available when it reached soil in association with HALC originated from compost than when it was adsorbed on stable humic acids. Moreover, the long term interaction of 137Cs with HALC led to decrease of 137Cs adsorbed on montmorillonite and increase of its bioavailable fraction. UV-Vis spectrometry and infrared spectroscopy showed the clear difference between HA, fresh HALC and old HALC which could partially explain the different results.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Mihalik
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares (C(2)TN), Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10, km 139,7, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal.
| | - M J Madruga
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares (C(2)TN), Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10, km 139,7, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal; Laboratório de Proteção e Segurança Radiológica, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10, km 139,7, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal
| | - M H Casimiro
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares (C(2)TN), Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10, km 139,7, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal
| | - L M Ferreira
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares (C(2)TN), Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10, km 139,7, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal
| | - M I Prudêncio
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares (C(2)TN), Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10, km 139,7, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal
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Burger A, Lichtscheidl I. Stable and radioactive cesium: A review about distribution in the environment, uptake and translocation in plants, plant reactions and plants' potential for bioremediation. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 618:1459-1485. [PMID: 29122347 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.09.298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2017] [Revised: 09/26/2017] [Accepted: 09/27/2017] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Radiocesium in water, soil, and air represents a severe threat to human health and the environment. It either acts directly on living organisms from external sources, or it becomes incorporated through the food chain, or both. Plants are at the base of the food chain; it is therefore essential to understand the mechanisms of plants for cesium retention and uptake. In this review we summarize investigations about sources of stable and radioactive cesium in the environment and harmful effects caused by internal and external exposure of plants to radiocesium. Uptake of cesium into cells occurs through molecular mechanisms such as potassium and calcium transporters in the plasma membrane. In soil, bioavailability of cesium depends on the chemical composition of the soil and physical factors such as pH, temperature and tilling as well as on environmental factors such as soil microorganisms. Uptake of cesium occurs also from air through interception and absorption on leaves and from water through the whole submerged surface. We reviewed information about reducing cesium in the vegetation by loss processes, and we extracted transfer factors from the available literature and give an overview over the uptake capacities of 72 plants for cesium from the substratum to the biomass. Plants with high uptake potential could be used to remediate soil and water from radiocesium by accumulation and rhizofiltration. Inside plants, cesium distributes fast between the different plant organs and cells, but cesium in soil is extremely stable and remains for decades in the rhizosphere. Monitoring of contaminated soil therefore has to continue for many decades, and edible plants grown on such soil must continuously be monitored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Burger
- University of Vienna, Core Facility Cell Imaging and Ultrastructure Research, Althanstrasse 14, A-1090 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Irene Lichtscheidl
- University of Vienna, Core Facility Cell Imaging and Ultrastructure Research, Althanstrasse 14, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
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Release of 137Cs from plant mass in course of biodegradation. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-017-5509-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Mróz T, Łokas E, Kocurek J, Gąsiorek M. Atmospheric fallout radionuclides in peatland from Southern Poland. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2017; 175-176:25-33. [PMID: 28431374 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2017.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2016] [Revised: 04/12/2017] [Accepted: 04/13/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Two peat profiles were collected in a peat bog located in Southern Poland and their geochronology were determined using 210Pb, 238,239+240Pu and 137Cs radiometric techniques. The 210Pb chronologies were established using the constant rate of supply model (CRS) and are in good agreement with the Pu isotopes and 137Cs time markers. Maximum activities of Pu isotopes were found at a depth corresponding to the early 1960s, which is the period characterized by the maximum nuclear weapon tests. The results showed that the 210Pb method is the most accurate technique for the determination age and accumulation rate of a peat. The next part of this study calculated linear accumulation rates by analyzing 238,239+240Pu and 137Cs vertical distributions in the profiles. Activities of fallout isotopes were also measured in plants covering the peatland. The highest activities of 137Cs and 210Pb were found in Calluna vulgaris samples, and 239+240Pu were found only in two samples (C. vulgaris and leaves of Oxycoccus quadripelatus).
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz Mróz
- Pedagogical University of Cracow, Podchorążych 2 30-084 Kraków, Poland.
| | - Edyta Łokas
- Institute of Nuclear Physics Polish Academy of Sciences, Radzikowskiego 152, 31-342 Kraków, Poland.
| | - Justyna Kocurek
- AGH University of Science and Technology, Al. Mickiewicza 30, 31-120 Kraków, Poland.
| | - Michał Gąsiorek
- Department of Soil Science and Soil Protection, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Al. Mickiewicza 21, 31-120 Kraków, Poland.
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