Keywords
134Cs
137Сs
90Sr
radioactive contamination
radioecological monitoring
forestry products
radiological control
forest management ліси
134Cs
137Сs
90Sr
радіоактивне забруднення
радіоекологічний моніторинг
лісогосподарська продукція
радіологічний контроль
ведення лісового господарства
How to Cite
Abstract
Introduction
Forty years have passed since the accident at the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant. This period has been marked by significant scientific achievements as well as a number of unresolved problems. The article briefly reviews the history of radioecological research in forest ecosystems of Ukraine. It is shown that scientists of the Ukrainian Research Institute of Forestry and Forest Melioration named after G.M. Vysotsky (URIFFM) and its experimental network were among the pioneers of radioecological research in Ukraine. The study emphasizes that scientific issues in forest radioecology remain highly relevant in Ukraine.
Materials and Methods
The dynamics of radiocaesium contamination were studied in the forests of Narodychi Forestry during two periods: in 1991 for 134Cs + 137Cs and in 2025 for 137Cs. To create map schemes of radioactive contamination for 1991, a database from the Polissya Branch of URIFFM was used. Data for 2025 were obtained by calculation, taking into account radionuclide decay periods: 2,5 years for 134Cs and 30,1 years for 137Сs. Measurements of 137Cs activity concentrations in samples were carried out using an AKP-S spectrum analyzer equipped with a BDEG-20R1 scintillation detector. Isolines of 137Cs activity concentration in the soil were constructed using the Distance Weighted Least Squares method, and graphical visualizations were produced using the 3D Contour Plot function in STATISTICA 12.0 software.
Results
As a result of fundamental research conducted in radioactively contaminated forests of Ukraine, scientific foundations and practical recommendations for forest management under radioactive contamination conditions have been developed. Their implementation is aimed at strengthening the multifunctional role of forests and ensuring the safer and more efficient use of forest resources under varying levels of radioactive contamination. It was emphasized that, during the period following the Chornobyl accident, research mainly focused on 137Cs in different components of forest ecosystems, whereas 90Sr has been actively investigated only during the last decade and remains insufficiently studied. The spatial heterogeneity of radioactive contamination in forest ecosystems has been investigated only fragmentarily, which complicates comprehensive analysis. The study highlights the need to significantly deepen and expand fundamental research on forests growing on radioactively contaminated lands. The necessity of continuing long-term monitoring observations at biogeocenotic experimental plots for investigating 137Cs migration was emphasized. In addition, 90Sr should be incorporated into monitoring protocols, and a comprehensive state-level forest monitoring system should be urgently implemented. The urgent need to update the database of forest radioactive contamination surveys conducted in 1991–1992 was also demonstrated, taking into account radionuclide decay. On this basis, new maps of radioactive contamination density for the forest fund of Ukraine with 137Сs and 90Sr should be developed.
Conclusion
The results of later surveys conducted for forest rehabilitation purposes should be incorporated into the national database on forest radioactive contamination. Amendments and additions should also be introduced to the Hygienic Standards for the Content of 137Cs and 90Sr in Wood and Wood Products. From a practical perspective, it is important to restore the system of radiation monitoring and control of forest products, which has largely ceased to function.
3 Figs., 33 Refs.
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