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Artificial 137Cs and Natural 40K in Mushrooms from the Subalpine Region of the Minya Konka Summit and Yunnan Province in China

Summary

This research examined radioactive contamination in wild mushrooms from mountainous regions of China. The study found that mushrooms growing at higher elevations in colder climates accumulated more radioactive cesium compared to those from lower, warmer regions. However, the radiation levels were still considered safe for human consumption. Impacts on everyday life: – Demonstrates that wild mushrooms remain safe to eat in these regions despite some radioactive contamination – Shows how climate and elevation affect the distribution of radioactive materials in the environment – Helps inform food safety guidelines for wild mushroom consumption – Provides baseline data for monitoring environmental radiation levels – Contributes to understanding long-term effects of historical nuclear testing

Background

137Cs is one of the most important anthropogenic radioactive contaminants in the environment, with a half-life of 30.05 years. It has contaminated environments worldwide through nuclear weapons testing and nuclear power plant accidents. Mountain ecosystems may be particularly prone to radioactive fallout. Little is known about radioactive fallout in high montane regions of the world.

Objective

To examine and compare 137Cs and 40K contamination levels in mushrooms and forest soils from the subalpine Minya Konka region versus neighboring Yunnan Province in China. The study aimed to test whether the colder climate and higher elevation of Minya Konka resulted in greater contamination compared to lower elevation areas.

Results

Mushrooms from Minya Konka showed higher 137Cs contamination (62-280 Bq/kg dry biomass in caps) compared to Yunnan samples (<4.4-83 Bq/kg). Forest topsoil from Minya Konka also had higher 137Cs levels. Activity concentrations of natural 40K exceeded 137Cs in all samples. The annual effective doses from consuming mushrooms were low, ranging from <0.0043-0.049 μSv for 137Cs and 0.26-0.81 μSv for 40K in Yunnan samples.

Conclusion

The subalpine region of Minya Konka showed greater contamination with 137Cs in both soil and mushrooms compared to lower elevation areas in Yunnan Province, likely due to its colder climate trapping more fallout. However, overall contamination levels and calculated annual radiation doses remained low or very low. The findings suggest climate and elevation influence radioactive contamination patterns in mountainous regions.
  • Published in:Environmental Science and Pollution Research International,
  • Study Type:Environmental Monitoring Study,
  • Source: 10.1007/s11356-017-0454-8
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