Radiocesium accumulation in koshiabura (Eleutherococcus sciadophylloides) and other wild vegetables in Fukushima Prefecture

Abstract

Wild vegetables naturally grow in the mountains, and their new buds and leaves are routinely eaten by local residents. In Fukushima, wild vegetables are more contaminated than agricultural products because most forests have not been decontaminated and radiocesium still remains in the forest soil. Radiocesium concentrations in wild vegetables can vary depending on the species, and in the case of koshiabura (Eleutherococcus sciadophylloides), it was found to have the highest concentration among wild vegetables. To acquire basic knowledge about radiocesium accumulation in koshiabura, we collected young trees which had been grown in the forest of Date City, Fukushima and investigated the radiocesium concentration in each part and its seasonal transition.