Transfer parameters values for 90Sr and 137Cs isotopes in Mediterranean ecosystem

The transfer of anthropogenic radionuclides into the human foodchain, especially 90Sr and 137Cs, is of great interest in different phases of a nuclear emergency. The parametrisation of transfer is a key factor in radioecological models, usually through the concept of Transfer Factor (TF). However, transfer factor data in the literature for a given radionuclide show a variability of four to five orders of magnitude within the same climate conditions (IAEA TRS 472). Although many references can be found in literature for TF in temperate climates, few are available for the Mediterranean climate; suggesting a geographical bias in the data against Southern European Mediterranean ecosystems. Compared with temperate climates, the main characteristic of the Mediterranean climate is the seasonal variation of dry summers and mild winter seasons. This may influence the seasonal variation in plant nutrient and radionuclide uptake. In this work, existing 90Sr and 137Cs Transfer Factors data reported in the literature for Mediterranean climate conditions are reviewed. The number of references specific for this climate is few. Radio- strontium and caesium stable analogs are also being studied due to the low concentrations of the radionuclides found in Mediterranean areas. Currently we are determining transfer factors for these radionuclides and their stable elements for key and regional (Mediterranean) produce. This work is being conducted within the CONFIDENCE project (https://portal.iket.kit.edu/ CONFIDENCE/index.php ) funded by the EURATOM CONCERT-European Joint Programme (http://www.concert- h2020.eu/).