Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 7, 2026

Use of Principal Components for Scaling Up Topographic Models to Map Soil Redistribution and Soil Organic Carbon
Published on: October 16, 2018
Transfer factors of 137Cs and 90Sr from soil to trees in arid regions
M Al-Oudat1, A F Asfary, H Mukhalallti
1Department of Protection and Safety, Atomic Energy Commission of Syria, Damascus - P.O. Box 6091, Syrian Arab Republic. scientific@aec.org.sy
Abstract:
Transfer factors of (137)Cs and (90)Sr from contaminated soil (Aridisol) to olive, apricot trees and grape vines were determined under irrigated field conditions for four successive years. The transfer factors (calculated as Bqkg(-1) dry plant material per Bqkg(-1) dry soil) of both radionuclides varied among tree parts and were highest in olive and apricot fruits. However, the values for (90)Sr were much higher than those for (137)Cs in all plant parts. The geometric mean of the transfer factors in olives, apricots and grapes were 0.007, 0.095 and 0.0023 for (137)Cs and 0.093, 0.13 and 0.08 for (90)Sr, respectively, and were negligible in olive oil for both radionuclides. The transfer factors of both radionuclides were similar to, or in the lower limits of, those obtained in other areas of the world. This could be attributed to differences in soil characteristics: higher pH, lower organic matter, high clay content, and higher exchangeable potassium and calcium.
Related Concept Videos
Water and Mineral Acquisition
Adaptations that Reduce Water Loss
The Sulfur Cycle
Short-distance Transport of Resources
C4 Pathway and CAM
C4 Pathway
The C4 pathway is used by plants such as...
Responses to Salt Stress

