Contamination of Austrian soil with caesium-137

J Environ Radioact. 2001;55(2):187-94. doi: 10.1016/s0265-931x(00)00192-2.

Abstract

Austria ranks among the countries that have been most strongly affected by the Chernobyl fallout. The mean contamination with 137Cs is 21.0 kBq/m2, of which 18.7 kBq/m2 is due to the Chernobyl accident, whereas global fallout contributes 2.3 kBq/m2. Maximum values of total 137Cs contamination are nearly 200 kBq/m2. Total deposition of Chernobyl 137Cs on Austrian territory is 1.6 PBq or a fraction of around 2% of the 137Cs released from the reactor. 2115 measurements were used to draw the Austrian "caesium map". The geographical pattern of fallout distribution shows regional differences of contamination as high as 1:100.

MeSH terms

  • Austria
  • Cesium Radioisotopes / analysis*
  • Ecology
  • Half-Life
  • Plants / radiation effects
  • Power Plants
  • Radioactive Hazard Release
  • Soil / analysis
  • Soil Pollutants, Radioactive / analysis*
  • Ukraine
  • Water Pollutants, Radioactive / analysis*
  • Water Pollution
  • Water Pollution, Radioactive

Substances

  • Cesium Radioisotopes
  • Soil
  • Soil Pollutants, Radioactive
  • Water Pollutants, Radioactive