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Tree Core Analysis with X-ray Computed Tomography
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Published on: September 22, 2023

Distribution of radiocesium and stable elements within a pine tree.

Satoshi Yoshida1, Masumi Watanabe, Akira Suzuki

  • 1Environmental Radiation Effects Research Group, Research Center for Radiation Protection, National Institute of Radiological Sciences, 4-9-1 Anagawa, Inage-ku, Chiba-shi, Chiba 263-8555, Japan. s_yoshid@nirs.go.jp

Radiation Protection Dosimetry
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Cesium-137 and stable elements concentrate in the growing parts of Chernobyl-contaminated pine trees. This indicates higher radiation exposure risk to these sensitive tree tissues.

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Published on: January 16, 2014

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Science
  • Radiochemistry
  • Plant Biology

Background:

  • Chernobyl's legacy includes widespread radioactive contamination.
  • Understanding radionuclide and element distribution in plants is crucial for ecological risk assessment.
  • Pine trees are common in contaminated zones and can accumulate various elements.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the distribution of cesium-137 ((137)Cs) and stable elements in different parts of pine trees.
  • To determine how element concentrations vary with tree age and tissue type.
  • To assess potential radiation dose implications for sensitive plant tissues.

Main Methods:

  • Pine trees from a Chernobyl-contaminated area in Belarus were sampled.
  • Samples included annual tree rings, wood, branches, and needles of varying ages.
  • Concentrations of (137)Cs and stable elements (Cs, K, Rb, P, alkaline earth metals, heavy metals) were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • The highest concentrations of (137)Cs and stable cesium were found in the cambium and younger needles/branches.
  • Element concentrations decreased from the cambium towards the inner wood.
  • Alkaline metals (K, Rb) and phosphorus showed similar distribution patterns to cesium, accumulating in younger tissues.

Conclusions:

  • Growing parts of pine trees, particularly the cambium and young needles/branches, accumulate (137)Cs and stable cesium.
  • This accumulation pattern suggests these sensitive, actively growing tissues receive the highest radiation dose.
  • Distribution of other elements varies, with alkaline metals and phosphorus showing translocation to young tissues, unlike alkaline earth and heavy metals.