The spread of 137Cs in terrestrial ecosystems of the Ignalina NPP and other Lithuanian regions

Abstract

The aim of the study is to evaluate the spread of 137Cs in the terrestrial ecosystems of the investigated regions [Ignalina NPP (INPP) region and other Lithuanian regions (Varena, Plunge, Ignalina)]. Moss and soil were used as the indicators. The 137Cs spread in forest ecotopes was unequal in the INPP region and other regions of Lithuania due to radionuclide coming from different sources. 137Cs specific activity is continuously decreasing in moss and soil in those Lithuanian regions which were polluted during the Chernobyl accident although in the INPP region it is known to fluctuate in the similar range, especially before the unit one was decommissioned. However, the correlation of the 137Cs specific activity between soil and moss in different locations and years has not been observed. It was observed between the soil and moss which grew in the forest ecotopes in the INPP region in the same year. The moss from the forest ecotopes (Hylocomium splendens) most evidently shows the 137Cs spread in the terrestrial ecosystem and it is quite possible to assess the soil contamination level.