Consequences of the Chernobyl fallout on some Italian underbrush produces: A ten-year study

In this paper we present the results of a decennial (1986-1995) investigation on radiocaesium concentrations in soil, honey, mushrooms and other underbrush produces collected in a representative upland region of the Italian Apennines. Concentrations of 134Cs and 137Cs in numerous samples were determined by gamma-ray spectrometry. The data obtained showed a relatively high 137Cs concentration, up to 8973 Bq m-2, in the superficial (0-2 cm) mineral soil. In most of the mushrooms, as well as in other underbrush produces, the detected activities were generally <20 Bq kg-1. However, a high radiocontamination was observed in two species, namely Rozites Caperatus (with 584 and 735 Bq kg-1 of 137Cs), and Tricholoma Nudum (3450 Bq kg-1 ). Caesium concentration in honey showed a sharp increase soon after the Chernobyl accident, followed by a slow progressive decrease. 11 refs., 3 tabs