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Radiocaesium Contamination of Mushrooms at High- and Low-Level Chernobyl Exposure Sites and Its Consequences for Public Health

Summary

A study examined how much radioactive cesium collected in wild mushrooms from areas affected by the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear accident in Czech Republic. The findings showed that while mushrooms in the most contaminated area accumulated more radioactivity than those in less affected areas, eating these mushrooms would not cause significant health risks to most people. The research helps experts understand how to safely assess radioactive contamination in wild foods after nuclear accidents.

Background

Wild mushrooms accumulate radiocaesium following nuclear accidents due to their unique fibrous structure and high bioaccumulation capacity. The Chernobyl accident in 1986 contaminated soils across Eastern Europe, creating areas with varying levels of radiocaesium deposition.

Objective

To compare specific activities of cesium-137 and potassium-40 in mushroom caps and stipes collected from a high-exposure hot spot in the Opava region versus a low-exposure site in the Beskydy mountains of Czech Republic, and to assess public health implications through effective dose estimation.

Results

Highest 137Cs specific activities were found in caps of Xerocomus badius (11.8 kBq/kg) and Russula ochroleuca (8.77 kBq/kg) in the Opava region. Fresh mushroom consumption of Xerocomus badius resulted in maximum effective doses of 0.102 mSv annually in the Opava area versus 0.004 mSv in the low-exposure site. The 134Cs/137Cs ratio confirmed dominant Chernobyl origin of contamination.

Conclusion

While radiocaesium levels in the Opava hot spot are 26 times higher than the low-exposure site, the calculated effective doses do not represent a significant public health risk. The study demonstrates that low-background HPGe detectors can effectively monitor 137Cs contamination in small mushroom samples and validates the use of potassium-40 as a marker for radiocaesium transport mechanisms.
  • Published in:Life (Basel),
  • Study Type:Field Study,
  • Source: PMID: 34947901
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