Root uptake: Temperate environment

Soil-to-plant transfer factor data were compiled based on an extensive literature survey, comprising 1167 information sources, including international and national databases. In order to decrease the uncertainty associated with soil/plant factors a special classification schema was developed and soil-to-plant transfer factors were grouped according to the selected plant and soil categories. Best estimates were generally derived from geometric means calculated for major plants groups and also for some plant compartments within these groups. For the natural radionuclides 2162 data were recorded and for the artificial radionuclides - 9390. Most transfer factor data were available for 90Sr, 137Cs, U and Ra. Radionuclide accumulation shows high variability, which is influenced by properties of radionuclides, soil characteristics, peculiarities of plant species. In comparison to Technical Reports Series No. 364, information presented in the paper substantially increases the amount of available data on radionuclide transfer to plants. The data, providing information for specific plant and soil groups, allows more precise radiological assessments in different areas around the world. (author)