Växters upptag av radioaktivitet

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the uptake of radionuclides in radishes during different exposure periods. The selected radionuclides included caesium-137 and uranium-238. The exposure periods were 5, 3, and 1 week(s), respectively, while the total cultivation period was 6 weeks. Furthermore, the distribution patterns of the radionuclides in different parts of the radish were examined, and the interaction between the radionuclides was studied. Analytical instruments used in this study included autoradiograph, ICP-MS, and HPGe. The results indicated that exposure duration potentially affected both the distribution pattern and the amount of accumulated radioactivity in the radish. In addition, uranium was observed to remain primarily in the roots, whereas caesium was distributed more homogeneously throughout the plant. This was likely due to caesium’s similarity to the other alkali metals, such as potassium, which allows it to be taken up by the plant through similar transport pathways as these metals. Conversely, uranium differs greatly from these metals and can therefore not be taken up by the plants in the same way. Furthermore, an effect on radionuclide uptake was observed during simultaneous exposure to uranium-238 and caesium-137. Finally, the study is considered to provide an adequate foundation for future research, although the limited amount of data means that no definitive conclusions could be drawn.