Alteration of the Cesium-137 soil profile by wild boar rooting after the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident

Saito, Rie; Wakiyama, Yoshifumi; Bontrager, Helen; Nanba, Kenji; Beasley, James C.

doi:10.1016/j.envc.2023.100728

Cited by 2 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 28 publications

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“…In addition, it was demonstrated also in a retrospective study for vegetables, water and soils [ 29 ]. Recently, Saito et al [ 30 ] explained that the mechanical action of wild boar rooting behavior is responsible for longer persistence. In fact, this peculiar feeding behavior is responsible for changing the depth of 137 Cs and chemical or biological interactions with the organic layer and mineral soil components.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

137Cesium (137Cs) assessment in wild boars from northwestern Italy

Pattono,

Mannelli,

Dalmasso

et al. 2024

PLoS ONE

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Radionuclide contamination is a serious health issue caused by nuclear experiments and plant accidents, as seen for the Chernobyl and Fukushima nuclear plants. Italy has been especially interested in northwestern alpine regions, as have several other nations. The aim of this work was to indagate 134Cs and 137Cs contamination in wild boars, which were considered bioindicators sampled in the Chisone/Germanasca Valley and the Pellice Valley districts (Piedmont, Italy) in two hunting seasons (2014 and 2016). In the 2014 season, only the livers of the animals (n = 48) were sampled, whereas in 2016, five different anatomical sampling sites were sampled for each animal (n = 16). The analyses were conducted in an accredited laboratory (Agenzia Regionale per la Protezione dell’Ambiente–ARPA) by the aid of an HPGe detector (Ortec) with a relative efficiency of 50%. In general, the contamination levels registered in 2014 were under the detection limit for 134Cs and low for 137Cs (Chisone/Germanasca valley: min: 0.0, max: 23.9 median 11.0 Bq/kg vs Pellice valley: min 0, max: 31.7, median: 9.6 Bq/kg) and no health concern can be supposed. In the first-year samples, the liver showed a negative correlation between age and contamination level. In the second year of sampling, low levels were confirmed (min: 3.1 Bq/kg, max: 113.3; median 17.7 Bq/kg). Multiple sampling from the same animal showed that the diaphragm (median = 27.7 Bq/kg) kidney (27.4) and tongue (27.6) were more contaminated than the liver (17.7) and spleen (15.3). Moreover, a linear mixed model revealed a negative organ-by-age interaction, meaning that interorgan differences in contamination level were greater in younger (5–11 months) than in older (18–36 months) animals. Different feeding habits can be the explanation. Our paper shows that muscle sites (diaphragm and tongue) can be useful for radionuclide pollution surveillance in wild boar populations and that younger animals show more interorgan variability in contamination levels than older animals. More investigations are needed to confirm this correlation and to fulfill the request for more data to achieve better risk assessment.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

137Cesium (137Cs) assessment in wild boars from northwestern Italy

Pattono,

Mannelli,

Dalmasso

et al. 2024

PLoS ONE

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Comprehensive review of surface contamination in nuclear waste waters: identification, quantification, and mitigation strategies

Chenniappan,

Devarajan

2024

Kerntechnik

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The safety and reliability of nuclear facilities hinge critically on addressing metallic surface contamination in nuclear waste waters. This contamination poses significant hazards to the environment, human health, and the structural integrity of equipment. Key contaminants include heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, and mercury from industrial processes, and radioactive isotopes like uranium, plutonium, and cesium, which present severe radiological risks due to their formation during nuclear reactions and fuel cycles. Corrosive chemicals further exacerbate the problem by promoting the accumulation of rust and other metallic compounds. Additionally, organic contaminants from equipment leaks and microbiological elements, including fungi and bacteria, can form biofilms that accelerate the corrosion process. The objective of this review is to evaluate the various techniques used to identify and quantify these contaminants on metal surfaces, such as surface sampling and microbiological analysis. By implementing appropriate mitigation measures based on these findings, it is possible to reduce risks and ensure the safety and operational integrity of nuclear plants. This comprehensive assessment aims to provide a framework for enhancing contamination management practices in nuclear facilities.

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Alteration of the Cesium-137 soil profile by wild boar rooting after the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident

Cited by 2 publications

References 28 publications

137Cesium (137Cs) assessment in wild boars from northwestern Italy

137Cesium (137Cs) assessment in wild boars from northwestern Italy

Comprehensive review of surface contamination in nuclear waste waters: identification, quantification, and mitigation strategies

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