Radioactivity and environment: transfers in terrestrial ecosystems

An experimental facility has been developed to simulate the controlled contamination of various agro-ecosystems, using cubic soil monoliths originated from different parts of Europe, installed in greenhouses with climatic control. A special furnace was used to simulate aerosol generation similar to aerosols generated in a PWR serious accident with core meltdown. The aim of the tests is to study and quantify the physico-chemical and biological processes that govern the transfer and migrations of radionuclides. First results with cesium and strontium are discussed