Ecological Half-lives of Radioactive elements in Semi-natural Systems
Activity Acronym:
EKO-2
Authors:
Tone D. Bergan
Abstract:
The recovery of Nordic seminatural ecosystems from radioactive fallout 8 - 11
years after the Chernobyl accident is studied. Ecological halflives of radiocesium
in various ecosystems such as uncultivated pastures, mountain areas and uplands
are important, since foodstuffs from these areas account for a considerable dose to
man. Dominant types of foodstuffs are identified. Three types of problem areas
have been chosen: sheep grazing on uncultivated pasture; mushrooms; and
freshwater fish. By incorporating the new data on ecological half-lives into
existing models, uncertainties in dose calculations may be decreased.