Fallout radiocaesium in Mackellar Inlet during the 2013 austral summer

Radiocaesium activity in soil samples and lichens collected during the austral summer were determined by high resolution gamma spectrometry. The results show that the amount of radiocaesium, retained by the lichen samples, is a function of the altitude of the sampling areas, and values in surface soil show that the amount of radiocaesium, retained by the soil, is an inverse function of the altitude of the sampling areas. Although in 2013, atmospheric radiocaesium inventory has decreased with the suspension of nuclear tests, it is still possible to register small concentrations in the air thanks to the study of lichens as bio-monitors. (authors).