Radionuclides in fruit systems: a review of experimental studies

Existing information on processes and parameters analysed in experimental studies on fruits was reviewed at the inception of the activities of the IAEA BIOMASS Fruits Working Group. Additional information on experimental studies, collected during the activities of the Group and not included in the Review, is presented and discussed in this paper. Studies on deposition of (14)CO2, CO(35)S and (3)H2O in the gas phase to apple, raspberry, strawberry and blackcurrant have filled gaps in knowledge of uptake of gaseous pollutants in fruit plants, quantifying processes of deposition, translocation and carry-over between seasons. Measurements over a period of six years on vine plants contaminated via leaves and soil by dry deposition of 137Cs and 90Sr have improved knowledge of the processes of direct deposition to fruit, translocation and carry-over of radionuclides from year to year. Additional information is given on soil to fruit transfer of U, Th and Pb for apple and mandarin grown under intensive agricultural conditions.