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Published on: January 7, 2019
137Cs in a raised bog in central Sweden
K Rosén1, M Vinichuk, K J Johanson
1Department of Soil and Environment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SLU, Ulls vag 17, Box 7014, SE-75007, Uppsala, Sweden. klas.rosen@mv.slu.se
Journal of Environmental Radioactivity
|April 24, 2009
Summary
Cesium-137 (137Cs) vertical distribution in Swedish bogs differs by site. Open bogs show upward soil transport, while pine-covered areas exhibit deeper migration, with heather accumulating the most 137Cs.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Radiochemistry
- Ecology
Background:
- Cesium-137 (137Cs) is a long-lived radionuclide with significant environmental implications.
- Peatlands, particularly raised bogs, can act as long-term sinks and indicators of radionuclide deposition.
- Understanding 137Cs behavior in different bog microhabitats is crucial for assessing ecosystem contamination and transfer dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the vertical distribution of 137Cs in peat soil profiles at two distinct raised bog sites in central Sweden.
- To analyze the 137Cs activity concentration in various plant species and compare these with historical data.
- To determine the migration rates and depth of 137Cs in different bog environments.
Main Methods:
- Collection and analysis of peat soil core samples from an open bog and a low pine-covered site.
- Measurement of 137Cs activity concentration in peat and plant samples using gamma spectrometry.
- Comparison of 2004-2007 data with historical samples from 1989.
- Calculation of 137Cs migration rates and depth centers.
Main Results:
- Ground deposition of 137Cs was similar at both sites (23,000 Bq m(-2)).
- Open bog peat showed upward 137Cs transport (peak in uppermost 1-4 cm), while the low pine site exhibited deeper distribution (10-12 cm).
- 137Cs migration rates were 0.57 cm yr(-1) (open bog) and 0.78 cm yr(-1) (low pine site).
- Heather (Calluna vulgaris) consistently showed the highest 137Cs activity concentrations, decreasing over time.
- Plant 137Cs transfer factors varied significantly between the two sites.
Conclusions:
- Site characteristics, such as vegetation cover, significantly influence 137Cs vertical distribution and migration in peat soils.
- Upward soil transport of 137Cs is more pronounced in open bog environments, while denser vegetation promotes deeper radionuclide penetration.
- Heather is a key accumulator of 137Cs in these bog ecosystems, with transfer factors influenced by site-specific conditions.
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