DYNAMICS OF LONG-LIVED RADIONUCLIDES IN MOSSES AND LICHENS

The long-term dynamics of Sr-90 and Cs-137 in mosses and lichens was s tudied, It is shown that the concentration of Sr-90 in these plants re mained virtually unchanged throughout the 15-year observation period. The concentration of Cs-137 in mosses and Lichens increased 20-40 time s as a result of Chernobyl fallout. The duration of self-purification of mosses and lichens from cesium radionuclides is evaluated, The poss ibility of using mosses and lichens as biological indicators of global radioactive fallout and for long-term radioecological monitoring is d emonstrated.