Translocation studies of 137Cs and 90Sr in bean plants ( Phaseolus vulgaris): simulation of fallout

• Published in: Environmental pollution (1987) 2002, Vol.120 (1), p.151-155
• Main Authors: Macacini, José Flávio, De Nadai Fernandes, Elisabete A, Taddei, Maria Helena T
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: 137Cs; 90Sr; Animal, plant and microbial ecology; Applied ecology; Biological and medical sciences; Cesium Radioisotopes - analysis; Cesium Radioisotopes - pharmacokinetics; Ecotoxicology, biological effects of pollution; Effects of pollution and side effects of pesticides on plants and fungi; Environmental Monitoring; Fallout; Food Contamination; Fruit - chemistry; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Non agrochemicals pollutants; Phaseolus - chemistry; Phaseolus vulgaris; Phytopathology. Animal pests. Plant and forest protection; Plant Leaves - chemistry; Pollution effects and side effects of agrochemicals on crop plants and forest trees. Other anthropogenic factors; Pollution effects. Side effects of agrochemicals; Power Plants; Radioactive Fallout - analysis; Radioactive Hazard Release; Radioisotopes - analysis; Radioisotopes - pharmacokinetics; Strontium Radioisotopes - analysis; Strontium Radioisotopes - pharmacokinetics; Tissue Distribution; Translocation factor
• ISSN: 0269-7491; 1873-6424
• DOI: 10.1016/S0269-7491(02)00140-9

Leaf-fruit translocation factors for 137Cs and 90Sr were quantified in common bean ( Phaseolus vulgaris). In case of an accident at a nuclear power plant with liberation of radioactive material into the atmosphere, knowledge about the behavior of plant species when in contact with radionuclides is indispensable for safety reasons. The leaf–fruit translocation is an important route through which agricultural products are contaminated by radionuclides. To quantify the leaf–fruit translocation factors for 137Cs and 90Sr in common beans ( Phaseolus vulgaris) an experiment was carried out in a greenhouse with a randomized block design. 137Cs activity was determined by gamma-ray spectrometry, while chemical separation followed by beta counting of 90Y was used for 90Sr determination. The model applied for translocation indicated functional dependence between the moment of tracer application and the physiological development of the bean plant. Translocation factors obtained for 137Cs and 90Sr were 0.16 and less than 0.005, respectively.