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A comparison of {sup 137}Cs radioactivity in localized evergreen and deciduous plant species

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/658261· OSTI ID:658261
A vegetation study at the Comanche Peak Steam Electric Station (CPSES) near Glen Rose, Texas was conducted in 1991 and 1992. The CPSES is a commercial nuclear power plant owned and operated by Texas Utilities Electric of Dallas, Texas. The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (USNRC) requires the CPSES to routinely sample broadleaf vegetation in place of milk samples. Few commercial dairies exist in the vicinity. Broadleaf tree species are scarce because the climate and local limestone geology have produced a dry rolling hill topography. An evergreen juniper is the dominant tree species. Few broadleaves during the winter season have hindered year-round sampling. This study compares the environmental {sup 137}Cs concentrations between broadleaf and evergreen foliage at CPSES. Soil {sup 137}Cs concentrations from each vegetation location were also compared to the foliage {sup 137}Cs concentrations. The study`s objective was to determine if the deciduous and evergreen vegetation {sup 137}Cs concentrations are statistically the same.
Research Organization:
Texas A and M Univ., College Station, TX (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Assistant Secretary for Environment, Safety, and Health, Washington, DC (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
AC05-76OR00033
OSTI ID:
658261
Report Number(s):
DOE/OR/00033--T740; ON: DE97053617
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English