F. Vaca et al., The presence of some artificial and natural radionuclides in a Eucalyptus forest in the south of Spain, J ENV RAD, 56(3), 2001, pp. 309-325
Long-lived artificial radionuclides (Cs-137, Sr-90) were studied in a Eucal
yptus plantation located in the south-west of Spain. Radionuclide concentra
tions were determined in different types of samples corresponding to specif
ic forest components (soil, trees, herbs and litter). Depth profile distrib
utions were obtained in two selected core soils. Two layers were separately
measured in three other cores. The concentration factor, defined as the ra
tio between the mean activity concentration in a component and the mean act
ivity concentration in the soil, was calculated for each component. The bio
mass of different components was estimated in order to evaluate the total d
ensity concentration (Bq/ha) of the artificial radionuclides (Cs-137, Sr-90
) in the Eucalyptus plantation. The transfer of the radionuclides between t
he different forest components can be inferred from the results. Additional
ly, other naturally occurring radionuclides (K-40, Ra-226, Ra-228, Ac-228)
were determined for comparison. Transport of radionuclides from forest to a
nearby pulp mill is also discussed. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rig
hts reserved.