The influence of season and leaf age on concentrations of radiocaesium (Cs-137), stable caesium (Cs-133) and potassium in Agrostis capillaris

Salt, C.A., Kay, J.W. and Jarvis, K.E. (2004) The influence of season and leaf age on concentrations of radiocaesium (Cs-137), stable caesium (Cs-133) and potassium in Agrostis capillaris. Environmental Pollution, 130(3), pp. 359-369. (doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2004.01.001) (PMID:15182969)

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Abstract

The transfer of radioactive caesium from soils to plants has been well researched. In contrast there is limited knowledge on natural stable 133Cs and its potential role as a predictor for radiocaesium behaviour. In a pot experiment with Agrostis capillaris close correlations were found between plant 137Cs and plant 133Cs concentrations (R2 90–96%). Season and leaf age had significant effects with concentrations increasing 10–30-fold between June and December. Simultaneously the plant concentrations of K, the nutrient analogue of Cs, decreased to around one third. In the soil the exchangeable fractions of K and 137Cs declined. No clear relationships were found between 137+133Cs in the plant and exchangeable K in the soil. However, at the end of the experiment the K content of the above-ground biomass was higher than the exchangeable pool in the soil, suggesting that depletion of soil K could be a key factor in the observed increase of plant 137+133Cs over time.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Kay, Dr James
Authors: Salt, C.A., Kay, J.W., and Jarvis, K.E.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Mathematics and Statistics > Statistics
Journal Name:Environmental Pollution
Publisher:Elsevier
ISSN:0269-7491
ISSN (Online):1873-6424
Published Online:12 March 2004

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