A grass ecosystem project for monitoring fallout radioactivity

Through the co-operation of several Member States in Europe and the Mediterranean Sea region, the Chemistry Unit of the IAEA Seibersdorf Laboratory is conducting a Grass Ecosystem Project for the purpose of monitoring fallout radioactivity from the nuclear power reactor accident at Chernobyl. The circumstances which prompted the project and the measures taken to organize and develop the project are discussed. The advantages and importance of a grass ecosystem for monitoring radioactive fallout are elaborated. A description of methods used for collecting, preparing and analysing the grass samples are presented. Results of the analyses from nine participating laboratories are presented for the more important radionuclides. The importance of intercomparisons are shown by the data. Data calculated to both the sampling dates and the date of the accident are provided, and ratios of several radionuclides at various locations are mentioned. Future plans for the project are also presented