Radioactivity in mushrooms in Northeast Italy following the Chernobyl accident

Abstract

Radionuclide activities in common edible mishrooms, collected in northeast Italy following the Chernobyl accidents, are reported. the highest levels were found in Clitocybe infundibuliformis, Cantherellus lutescens and Boletus cavipes. In addition, a large numbver od soil samples was collected in the same area. From the 137Cs/134Cs ratios, it was possible to differentiate the radiocesium contribution from pre-Chernobyl fallout in both fungi and soil. The contour maps for 137Cs and 134Cs distributions are reported. The radioactivity detected in the muschrooms is not related in a sample manner to the contamination level of the corresponding soil. Some species tend to concentrate cesium and silver nuclides, while others show little affinity for these and other nuclides. Explanations for the different bahaviour characteristics of the species are suggested. © 1989.