Sequential extraction as a tool to study the foliar uptake of radionuclides

In order to study the foliar uptake of radionuclides deposited from an aerosol released in an accidental situation, lettuce plants were contaminated with an aerosol containing 85Sr, 134Cs and 110mAg isotopes. The methodology chosen to carry out this study is based on a sequential extraction scheme using water, to evaluate the fraction possibly removed by rain or by washing, and on organic solvent, to distinguish between the fraction adhering to the cuticle and the one incorporated in the leaves. Two procedures are compared. Moreover, the different behavior of the radionuclides in their incorporation into the leaves is deduced from the results obtained. (author) 18 refs.; 6 figs.; 1 tab