RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE DEPOSITION OF STRONTIUM 90 AND THE CONTAMINATION OF MILK IN BRITAIN DURING 1958-1960
Alternative methods were used to estimate the relative extents to which the Sr/sup 90/ in milk produced in England and Wales was determined by the annual deposition of fall-out and the cumulative total in the soil during the years 1958 to 1960. Proportionality factors are suggested for estimating Sr/sup 90/ from measurements of the current deposit and the cumulative total estimated from the analysis of rain water. Assumptions were used which are considered to indicate the possible upper limit of the contribution of the soil. The calculations should therefore be a cautious basis for the prediction of future situations. It is emphasized, however, that only very approximate relationships can be establisherIn 1958 and 1959 the level of Sr/sup 90/ in milk was determined mainly by the direct retention of the recent deposit on vegetation, but in 1960, when the rate of fall-out had decreased, absorption from the soil may have been responsible for about four-fifths of the contamination in milk. The more thorough incorporation in the soil causes a progressive decrease in its contribution to the contamination of diet. It is emphasized that calculations made for one region are not necessarily applicable to others and that the importance of absorption from the soil will be enhanced in areas where the Ca content of the soil is particularly low. (auth)
- Research Organization:
- Gt. Brit. Agricultural Research Council. Radiobiological Lab., Grove, Berks, England
- NSA Number:
- NSA-15-030983
- OSTI ID:
- 4837634
- Report Number(s):
- A/AC.82/G/L.605
- Country of Publication:
- Country unknown/Code not available
- Language:
- English
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