C. Giovani et al., BRYOPHYTES AS INDICATORS OF RADIOCESIUM DEPOSITION IN NORTHEASTERN ITALY, Science of the total environment, 157(1-3), 1994, pp. 35-43
Samples of moss carpets growing in forest vegetation have been used to
map radioactive fallout in northeastern Italy. The main factors affec
ting data variability are th e inclination of the carpets, water absor
bing power, and their thickness. The best suited bioindicator proved t
o be Ctenidium molluscum. The results indicate that these carpets were
able to intercept most of the radiocesium deposited after the Chernob
yl accident, and that the removal half-time in the survey area is of a
pproximately 46 months.