The results of the measurements of radionuclide transfer from soil to vegetation (Poaceae spp.) that conducted during 2010-2014, in free-ranged grazing regions in Greece, are presented in this work. The specific activities of 137Cs, 226Ra, 228Ra and 228Th radionuclides were measured and the activity concentrations were calculated in samples of soil and grass obtained from several studied regions in Greece. The respective soil-to-plant radionuclide transfer parameters (as Concentration Ratio) were calculated and the results were analyzed in terms of spatial deviation caused by the different climate type among the studied regions, provided that the same plant and soil types are studied. The Concentration Ratios ranged from 0.02 to 2.5 for 137Cs, 0.01 to 0.7 for 226Ra, from 0.07 to 1.1 for 228Ra, and, from 0.08 to 0.17 for 228Th. Although, the concentration ratios of the primordial radionuclides show some consistency among the different regions, significant differences are observed for 137Cs, which may be particularly attributed to the different climatic types (according to the Koppen-Geiger climate classification) that govern these regions.
Keywords: Cesium-137; Concentration ratio; Koppen-geiger climate classification; Mediterranean ecosystem; Natural radionuclides; Transfer parameter.
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