Dynamics of 137Cs concentrations in agricultural products after the Chernobyl accident: cereals, potato, and vegetables

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to analyze the regularities of 137 Cs concentrations in grain , potatoes and vegetables in the areas affected the Chernobyl accident . The data describing the countermeasures in the south-western districts of the Bryansk region are given . The system of radiological monitoring of plant products is described and the relevant data are presented . Dynamics of concentrations both in grain and in potatoes and vegetables had a pronounced heterogeneous character . Reduction of 137 Cs concentration in crop production ( grain , potato , and vegetables ) was determined by the dynamics of agrochemical countermeasures in the contaminated areas , sorption of 137 Cs in soil and radioactive decay . It has been revealed that effective halflives of 137 Cs in the above products during intensive implementation of rehabilitation measures ( 1987-1990 ) varied within the range from 0,7 up to 1,3 years . Subsequently , in 1991-2011 , the decrease of contamination of products slowed down , and in some areas with intensive application of protective measures a certain increase of 137 Cs content in products was noted . Effective half-lives during that period ranged 10.5-29 years depending on the peculiarities of application of countermeasures and soil characteristics . The pattern of the 137 Cs concentrations in the grain produced in different districts from 2011 to 2021 also differed depending on the history of the countermeasures ’ application in those districts in the previous periods . The estimation of the effective half-life , equal to 18.2 years , for predicting the reduction of plant product contamination in the long term after the Chernobyl accident has been suggested .