Observations of Fukushima fallout in Great Britain

Beresford, N.A.; Barnett, C.L. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9723-7247; Howard, B.J. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9698-9524; Howard, D.C. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4494-7450; Wells, C.; Tyler, A.N.; Bradley, S.; Copplestone, D.. 2012 Observations of Fukushima fallout in Great Britain. Journal of Environmental Radioactivity, 114. 48-53. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvrad.2011.12.008

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Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvrad.2011.12.008

Abstract/Summary

Following the Fukushima accident in March 2011, grass samples were collected from 42 sites around Great Britain during April 2011. Iodine-131 was measurable in grass samples across the country with activity concentrations ranging from 10 to 55 Bq kg−1 dry matter. Concentrations were similar to those reported in other European countries. Rainwater and some foodstuffs were also analysed from a limited number of sites. Of these, 131I was only detectable in sheep’s milk (c. 2 Bq kg−1). Caesium-134, which can be attributed to releases from the Fukushima reactors, was detectable in six of the grass samples (4–8 Bq kg−1 dry matter); 137Cs was detected in a larger number of grass samples although previous release sources (atmospheric weapons test and the 1986 Chernobyl and 1957 Windscale accidents) are likely to have contributed to this.

Item Type:	Publication - Article
Digital Object Identifier (DOI):	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvrad.2011.12.008
Programmes:	CEH Topics & Objectives 2009 - 2012 > Biogeochemistry > BGC Topic 1 - Monitoring and Interpretation of Biogeochemical and Climate Changes > BGC - 1.4 - Develop innovative, effective methods for monitoring fluxes, exposure and effects
UKCEH and CEH Sections/Science Areas:	Shore
ISSN:	0265-931X
Additional Keywords:	radioecology, Fukushima, iodine-131, grass, milk, caesium
NORA Subject Terms:	Ecology and Environment
Related URLs:	Dataset
Date made live:	24 Jul 2012 09:00 +0 (UTC)
URI:	https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/18835

Item Type:

Publication - Article

Digital Object Identifier (DOI):

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvrad.2011.12.008

Programmes:

CEH Topics & Objectives 2009 - 2012 > Biogeochemistry > BGC Topic 1 - Monitoring and Interpretation of Biogeochemical and Climate Changes > BGC - 1.4 - Develop innovative, effective methods for monitoring fluxes, exposure and effects

UKCEH and CEH Sections/Science Areas:

Shore

ISSN:

0265-931X

Additional Keywords:

radioecology, Fukushima, iodine-131, grass, milk, caesium