Fallout Radionuclide Distribution in Lichen Communities near Thule

Concentrations of the worldwide fallout radionuclides manganese-54, zinc-65, strontium-90, cesium-137, and cerium-praseodymium-144, and naturally occurring potassium-40 were measured in 80 lichen species collected near Thule, Greenland, during July-August 1968. Emphasis was placed on 137Cs for detai...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:ARCTIC
Main Author: Hanson, Wayne C.
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:English
Published: The Arctic Institute of North America 1971
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Online Access:https://journalhosting.ucalgary.ca/index.php/arctic/article/view/66192
Description
Summary:Concentrations of the worldwide fallout radionuclides manganese-54, zinc-65, strontium-90, cesium-137, and cerium-praseodymium-144, and naturally occurring potassium-40 were measured in 80 lichen species collected near Thule, Greenland, during July-August 1968. Emphasis was placed on 137Cs for detailed comparison of radionuclide distribution within the 6 major and 5 minor lichen communities of the 1500 km² area studied. Mean 137Cs concentrations in major lichen species ranged from 22 picocuries per gram standard dry weight in Stereocaulon paschale to 50 pCi/g in Cornicularia divergens, with an overall average of 33 pCi/g. Significant differences were noted between species, habitats and world regions. Distribution des radionucléi de retombée dans les associations lichénique près de Thulé. En juillet-août 1968, on a mesuré les concentrations mondiales des radionucléi de retombée manganèse-54, zinc-65, strotium-90, césium-137 et cérium-praséodymium-144, et du potassium-40 naturel, dans 80 espèces de lichens recueillis près de Thulé, Groenland. L’étude a surtout porté sur le 137Cs dans les espèces lichéniques majeures variaient de 22 picocuries par gramme de poids normal à sec dans Stereocaulon paschale, à 50 pCi/g dans Cornicularia divergens, avec une moyenne générale de 33 pCi/g. On a noté des différences significatives entre les espèces, les habitats et les régions du monde.