EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION OF PLANT UPTAKE CONTAMINATION FACTORS
Abstract
The uptake of four radionuclides (Sr-85, Ru-106, Cs-137, and Ce-144) was measured for four plants (wheat, tomatoes, corn and potatoes) grown in four different soil types (sandy loam, sandy clay loam, silty clay and clay). Plants were grown in large soil containers that allowed most of the root system to develop under normal field conditions. Plant uptake contamination factors (aSU) were calculated for each sample harvested. Comparisons of the uptake for various plant part-soil-radionuclide combinations at crop maturity showed that the aSU values for Sr-85 were the largest in all instances, usually by an order of magnitude. The aSU values for the edible portion of each plant were lowest in every case, and usually the leafy portions of the plants had the largest aSU value. Additional experiments included measurements of changes in radionuclide uptake caused by available calcium levels, growing crops in large fields, and contaminant form and solubility.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1968
- Accession Number
- AD0694531
Entities
People
- James D. Sartor
- James L. Mackin
- Pamela G. Kruzic
- William B. Lane
Organizations
- SRI International