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Title: {sup 137}Cs content in the fruit bodies of various Tuber species

Journal Article · · Health Physics
;  [1];  [2];  [3]
  1. ENEA AMB-SAF, Brasimone (Italy)
  2. Universita di Bologna (Italy)
  3. ENEA AMB-BIO, Brasimone (Italy)

In this research, the concentration of {sup 137}Cs in the fruit bodies of the Tuber species T. magnatum Pico, T. borchii Vitt., T. aestivum Vitt., and T. excavatum Vitt. collected in three different regions of Italy was determined. The values obtained have been compared to the soil concentration of {sup 137}Cs, and the transfer factor was determined. The radiocesium content of the examined fruit bodies ranged from 2.5 Bq kg{sup {minus}1} to 33.3 Bq kg{sup {minus}1} fresh weight; the median transfer factor values of the four species ranged between 0.06 and 0.6. Our findings indicate that the radiocesium level in truffles from these regions of Italy is generally low, and, thus, their consumption is not of radiological concern. The results may suggest certain hypotheses as to the mechanisms involved in radiocesium uptake in these fungi. 19 refs., 1 fig., 4 tabs.

Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
OSTI ID:
420448
Journal Information:
Health Physics, Vol. 71, Issue 6; Other Information: PBD: Dec 1996
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English