Behavior of 137Cs in Nothern Greece one Decade after Chernobyl

The levels of Chernobyl-derived 137Cs were measured at Thessaloniki, Greece in air, precipitation, soil, grass and milk as well as in various items of food products 10 years after the accident. The data show significant variations particularly in the spring and autumn measurements. In interpreting these variations, injections into the atmosphere from the troposphere or possibility the stratosphere from the Chernobyl accident, nuclear weapons testing, and other releases from nuclear reactors operating world-wide have been taken into consideration. Estimates of the removal half-time of 137Cs in air and grass resulted in 16 months (1 1/3 years) and 40 months (3 1/3 years), respectively, much shorter than its physical half-life 30.14 years). (Author) 3 tabs., 4 figs., 7 refs