Incorporation of 137Cs by tropical tree species and its correlation with plant physiology

CID, A.; MEIGIKOS DOS ANJOS, R.; LACERDA, T.; JURI AYUB J.; VELASCO, H.; RIZZOTTO, M.

Foz Iguazu

Congreso; Encontro de Física 2011; 2011

Sociedad Brasileira de Fisica

This work proposes the use of a new mathematical model liable to describe the temporal evolution of radiocaesium concentration in fruits of tropical species. Studies of the radiocaesium and potassium incorporation are important for two main reasons: a) from the physiological point of view, this flux characterizes the dynamics of the demand of this essential macronutrient during the gestation period of the fruit; and b) from a radioecological perspective, potassium is a chemical analogue of cesium, particularly of 137Cs, one of the most important contaminant deposited after accidental releases of radionuclides into the environment. Therefore, describing the potassium incorporation, we can obtain crucial information on how this radionuclide can enter to the human food chain trough fruits.