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Evaluation of transfer factor and ecological half life of 137Cs in terrestrial matrices around Kakrapar Gujarat Site, India during 1993–2019

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Abstract

The activity of 137Cs was measured in different terrestrial samples around Kakrapar Gujarat site. Transfer Factor and Ecological half-life of 137Cs was evaluated. 137Cs activity observed in these matrices are comparable with pre-operational baseline activity and there is no build up of activity. Transfer Factor of soil to grass, leaf, cereals, pulses, fruits and vegetables for 137Cs was observed to be in the range of 0.01–1.49, 0.06–0.64, 0.03–0.92, 0.03–3.99, 0.01–0.34 and 0.01–0.20, respectively. Ecological half-life (years) of 137Cs for soil, grass, leaf, cereals, pulses, fruits, vegetables and milk was found to be 11.8, 5.9, 5.9, 5.7, 3.9, 7.7, 9.0 and 7.2 respectively.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Site Director, Kakrapar Site, Station Director, KAPS-1&2 and ACE (E&US), for their keen interest and encouragement. The assistance rendered by Smt. Padma Chaudhary, Shri M. K Chaudhary, Shri. J. J. Chaudhary and all other ESL staff are thankfully acknowledged.

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Wagh, S.S., Patra, A.K., Joshi, C.P. et al. Evaluation of transfer factor and ecological half life of 137Cs in terrestrial matrices around Kakrapar Gujarat Site, India during 1993–2019. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 330, 891–899 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-021-07982-8

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