Journal of Radiation Protection and Research

The Korean Association for Radiation Protection (대한방사선방어학회)
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Mass Interception Fractions and Weathering Half-lives of Iodine-131 and Radiocesium in Leafy Vegetables Observed after the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant Accident

  • Tagami, Keiko (National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institute for Quantum Science and Technology) ;
  • Uchida, Shigeo (National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institute for Quantum Science and Technology)
  • Received : 2021.04.19
  • Accepted : 2021.07.19
  • Published : 2021.12.31
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Abstract

Background: This study was carried out to provide environmental transfer parameter values to estimate activity concentrations of these radionuclides in agricultural crops when direct contamination occurred. Materials and Methods: Mass interception fractions (FBs) and weathering half-lives (Tws) of 131I and radiocesium were calculated using openly available monitoring data obtained after the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident. FB is the ratio between the initial radioactivity concentration of a radionuclide retained by the edible part of the plant (Bq·kg-1 fresh weight [FW]) and the amount of deposited radionuclide in that area (Bq·m-2). Tw values can be calculated using activity concentrations of crops decreased with time after the initial contamination. Results and Discussion: Calculated FB and Tw values for 131I and radiocesium were mostly obtained for leafy vegetables. The analytical results showed that there was no difference of FBs between 131I and radiocesium by t-test; geometric mean values for leafy vegetables cultivated under outdoor conditions were 0.058 and 0.12 m2·kg-1 FW, respectively. Geometric mean Tw value of 131I in leafy vegetables grown under outdoor conditions was 8.6 days, and that of radiocesium was 6.6 days; there was no significant difference between Tw values of these radionuclides by Wilcoxon rank sum test. Conclusion: There was no difference between 131I and radiocesium for FBs and Tws. By using these factors, we would be able to carry out a rough estimation of the activity concentrations of 131I and radiocesium in the edible part of leafy crops when a nuclear accident occurred.

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References

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