Vertical Distribution of Cs-137 in Cultivated and Undisturbed Areas

Abstract

This paper introduces the distribution background and unique characteristics of Cs-137 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. Cs-137 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 Cs-137 (similar to 85 PBq) was released in the atmosphere during the Chernobyl accident. So, Cs-137 has been globally distributed, with fallout rates generally related to latitude and precipitation depth. The movement of Cs-137 in soil is primarily controlled by soil erosion processes, such as processes caused by water, wind, and tillage. Thus, Cs-137 is a valuable tracer to study soil erosion. The specific activity of Cs-137 in soil and sediment samples was determined by using the gamma-spectrometric method.