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Variability of the sorption of Cs, Zn, Sr, Co, Cd, Ce, Ru, Tc and I at trace concentrations by a forest soil along a transect

Journal Article · · Environment International; (USA)
; ;  [1]
  1. Institut fuer Strahlenschutz, Neuherberg (Germany, F.R.)

The variability of the sorption properties (characterized by the distribution coefficient K{sub d}) of a forest soil for Cs, Zn, Sr, Co, Cd, Ce, Ru, Tc, and I were determined along a transect of 150 m in regular intervals of 3 m. Radioactive tracers were used to ensure trace concentrations of these elements. For comparison, for each soil sample the loss on ignition, as a measure of the soil organic matter content, and the pH were also determined. On average, the K{sub d} values increase in the sequence Tc < I < Ru {approx} Co {approx} Zn {approx} Sr < Cd < Ce < Cs; the spatial variability in the sequence I < Zn {approx} Sr {approx} Co {approx} Cd {approx} Ru {approx} Te < Cs, and I {approx} Ce < Tc. Correlation analysis revealed that, when moving along the transect, the K{sub d} values for some elements changed in a similar, and for others in a dissimilar pattern. In a few case a correlation between the pH or the loss on ignition and the K{sub d} values was also present. The spatial structure of the data was examined by semivariograms. For the elements Co, Cd, Zn, and Sr, the K{sub d} values showed an almost periodic behavior along the transect, which is probably due to periodic changes of some soil properties in a forest with regularly spaced trees.

OSTI ID:
5133498
Journal Information:
Environment International; (USA), Journal Name: Environment International; (USA) Vol. 13:6; ISSN 0160-4120; ISSN ENVID
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English