Disease: radiation exposure

Biosorption of cesium and strontium from aqueous solution by Aspergillus flavus biomass

This research demonstrates that dead fungal biomass from Aspergillus flavus can effectively remove radioactive cesium and strontium from contaminated water, offering an affordable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional treatment methods. The fungus shows excellent ability to capture strontium ions (90% removal) and can be reused multiple times by treating it with nitric acid. This finding is particularly relevant following nuclear accidents like Fukushima and provides a sustainable solution for treating radioactive wastewater from nuclear facilities.

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

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.

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An evaluation of the occurrence and trends in 137Cs and 40K radioactivity in King Bolete Boletus edulis mushrooms in Poland during 1995–2019

This study tracked radioactive contamination in King Bolete mushrooms across Poland over 25 years following the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear accident. Researchers found that radioactive caesium levels were highest 10-20 years after the accident, peaking in the 1990s, because radioactive particles slowly moved deeper into soil where mushroom roots feed. While people who eat wild mushrooms from Poland were exposed to some radioactivity, serious health risks were uncommon, and contamination has significantly decreased in recent years.

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A Review of the Occurrence of Alpha-Emitting Radionuclides in Wild Mushrooms

Wild mushrooms can absorb radioactive elements from soil, particularly polonium and radium which accumulate to high levels. The amount of radioactivity varies greatly depending on where mushrooms are grown and what species they are. In most areas, naturally occurring radioactive elements are the main concern, but mushrooms from regions affected by nuclear accidents like Chernobyl may contain dangerous artificial radioactive isotopes. People who frequently consume wild mushrooms from certain regions could potentially exceed safe annual radiation exposure limits.

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Forty Years After Chernobyl: Radiocaesium in Wild Edible Mushrooms from North-Eastern Poland and Its Relevance for Dietary Exposure and Food Safety

Researchers tested wild mushrooms from forests in Poland to see if they contained dangerous radiation from the 1986 Chernobyl disaster. They measured radioactive cesium and potassium in 230 mushroom samples from 19 different species and compared them to soil samples. Good news: all the mushrooms were safe to eat according to food safety standards, with radiation levels below the legal limits. The study shows that mushrooms can be good indicators of how much radiation remains in forest environments.

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