Transfer of 210Pb and 210Po to plants via root system and above-ground interception

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of atmospheric deposition of 210Pb and 210Po on their transfer to plants used as food (potatoes, vegetables, cereals) and as fodder (grass, alfalfa). Two types of soil on an open field and on a field sheltered by a polyethylene tent were used. 210Pb and 210Po were determined in the total deposition, soils and plants. In the above-ground parts of the plants grown on the open field the activity concentrations of 210Pb and 210Po were higher than those for the plants grown in the tent, whereas in the roots they were nearly the same. Different concentrations of the radionuclides in the above-ground parts, despite the similar concentrations in roots, suggest that the transfer of the radionuclides via the root system is rather negligible. The data obtained indicate that atmospheric deposition is the main source of 210Pb and 210Po in the above-ground parts of the plants. It is suggested that the incorporation of the radionuclides occurs mainly from the wet deposition.