Radiocesium Bioavailability

The bioavailability of Chernobyl-derived radiocesium in hay, fungal fruit bodies, willow bark, and soil was compared to tracer radiocesium (134CsCl) by measuring transfer coefficients (Fm) to goat milk. The average Fm value from 134CsCl of 11.9 × 10−2 d L−1 was taken to represent the maximal transfer to milk on the provided diet. In 1986, the Fm value from hay was 35% of that from 134CsCl, thus demonstrating the low bioavailability of recently deposited radiocesium. Values in 1987 were also lower, with a mean of 76% of that from tracer Cs. During 1988 and 1989, maximal Fm values were observed, suggesting increased bioavailability from the year of fallout to the following years. Transfer of radiocesium from two fungal species harvested in 1988 and 1989 were 78% and 87%, respectively, of that from tracer Cs, while bark was lower (62%). Transfer from organic soil was only 7% of tracer radiocesium, and therefore contribution from soil ingestion could only have a small impact on the content of radiocesium in animals. Live monitoring measurements and the excretion of 134Cs in milk, urine, and feces during a 50-d period was adequately described by a two-exponential equation.