Plant uptake of238U,235U,232Th,226Ra,210Pb and40K from a coal ash and slag disposal site and control soil under field conditions: A preliminary study.
The aim of this study was to investigate the uptake of238U,235U,232Th,226Ra,210Pb and40K by plants that grow on a coal ash and slag disposal site known for its higher content of naturally occurring radionuclides. Plant species that were sampled are common for the Mediterranean flora and can be divided as follows: grasses & herbs, shrubs and trees. To compare the activity concentrations and the resultant concentration ratios of the disposal site with those in natural conditions, we used control data specific for the research area, obtained for plants growing on untreated natural soil. Radionuclide activity concentrations were determined by high resolution gamma-ray spectrometry. Media parameters (pH, electrical conductivity and organic matter content) were also analysed. We confirmed significantly higher activity concentrations of238U,235U,226Ra and210Pb in ash and slag compared to control soil. However, a significant increase in the radionuclide activity concentration in the disposal site's vegetation was observed only for226Ra. On the contrary, a significantly smaller activity concentration of40K in ash and slag had no impact on its activity concentration in plant samples. The calculated plant uptake of238U,235U,226Ra and210Pb is significantly smaller in comparison with the uptake at the control site, while it is vice versa for40K. No significant difference was observed between the disposal site and the control site's plant uptake of232Th. These results can be the foundation for further radioecological assessment of this disposal site but also, globally, they can contribute to a better understanding of nature and long-term management of such disposal sites.
Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska cesta 2, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia. Electronic address: bskoko@imi.hr.
Božena
B
Skoko
Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska cesta 2, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia. Electronic address: marovic@imi.hr.
Gordana
G
Marović
Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska cesta 2, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia. Electronic address: dbabic@imi.hr.
Dinko
D
Babić
Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska cesta 2, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia. Electronic address: msostaric@imi.hr.
Marko
M
Šoštarić
Andrija Stampar Teaching Institute of Public Health, Mirogojska 16, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia. Electronic address: mirela.jukic@stampar.hr.
Mirela
M
Jukić
D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D060729:Coal Ash / Q000032:analysis; D007856:Lead Radioisotopes / Q000032:analysis; D010944:Plants / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D011197:Potassium Radioisotopes / Q000032:analysis; D011834:Radiation Monitoring; D011850:Radioactive Waste / Q000032:analysis*; D011883:Radium / Q000032:analysis; D012990:Soil Pollutants, Radioactive / Q000032:analysis* / Q000378:metabolism; D013910:Thorium / Q000032:analysis; D014501:Uranium / Q000032:analysis
D060729:Coal Ash; D007856:Lead Radioisotopes; D011197:Potassium Radioisotopes; D011850:Radioactive Waste; D012990:Soil Pollutants, Radioactive; D014501:Uranium; D013910:Thorium; D011883:Radium