Migration processes of 137Cs and 90Sr in compartments of a lake ecosystem

The dispersion of radioactive substances in the environment following nuclear weapon tests in atmosphere since 1954 and accidents to nuclear plants, like that in Chernobyl in 1986, have allowed to study the migration processes of some radionuclides in complex ecosystems such as lakes are. Behavior of 137Cs and 90Sr in different compartments of the Monterosi Lake (central Italy) was assessed. The 137Cs concentration was measured in lake water as well as sediment, stream water, aquatic plant and fish samples. 90Sr concentration in water and sediments was also determined. A total inventory of 4206±76 Bq x m-2 and 958±79 Bq x m-2 (on 27/6/01) has been found for 137Cs and 90Sr, respectively. The experimental data allow to calibrate theoretical models predicting the temporal trend of radionuclide concentration in similar ecosystems. Moreover, information on cesium and strontium migration processes can be extended to other pollutants having similar environmental behavior. (author)