Pages: 30-36

Authors: Snežana S. Nenadović, Miloš T. Nenadović, Ivana S. Vukanac, Aleksandar R. Djordjević, Slavoljub S. Dragićević, Milutin A. Lješević

Abstract

This paper introduces the distribution background and unique characteristics of ¹³⁷Cs in cultivated and undisturbed areas. The samples were taken from three measuring points of the depth of 1 m. We examined all visible horizons and determined their classifications. There were four horizons in one profile. All four horizons had a different zone thickness. ¹³⁷Cs is an artificial radionuclide that has been produced primarily as a result of atmospheric thermonuclear weapon tests since the 1950. Also, the great amount of ¹³⁷Cs (~85 PBq) was released in the atmosphere during the Chernobyl accident. So, ¹³⁷Cs has been globally distributed, with fallout rates generally related to latitude and precipitation depth. The movement of ¹³⁷Cs in soil is primarily controlled by soil erosion processes, such as processes caused by water, wind, and tillage. Thus, ¹³⁷Cs is a valuable tracer to study soil erosion. The specific activity of ¹³⁷Cs in soil and sediment samples was determined by using the gamma-spectrometric method.

Key words: ¹³⁷Cs, erosion, soil, gamma-spectrometric method

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