Migration of Cesium‐137 in typical soils of North Germany ten years after the Chernobyl accident

Abstract

Abstract Ten years after the Chernobyl disaster the Cs‐137 migration of typical soils of North Germany (Folic Histosol, Haplic Podzol, Dystric Gleysol, Eutric Fluvisol) has been investigated and compared to their Cs distribution in 1986. In 1986 nearly 90% of the Cs‐137 occurred in the upper 1–5 cm soil sections, whereas it was 50–70% in 1996. The more regular distribution ten years after the accident shows that migration processes have taken place. The Podzol presented a high migration with marked Cs‐137 losses in the top soil. The Gleysol showed the lowest migration down to 10 cm depth. A nearly similar pattern at the top was found within the Histosol, however, a ratio of 10% Cs‐137 in the 10–15 cm section indicated a deeper migration. Despite the large clay content, the Fluvisol showed a regular Cs distribution within its profile, probably resulting from cattle steps and/or peloturbation.