Effect of soil management on its radioisotopic composition

Abstract

Radioactive isotopes in the environment, both natural and artificial, can be good indicators in the analysis of a number of physical and chemical processes and the transport of pollutants in the ecosystem. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of soil use on the radioisotopic composition in its surface layers. The radioisotopic compositions of surface soil samples, collected in the area of a cement plant, abandoned for over 20 years, as well as in the area of the nearby allotments were examined and compared. Calculations were performed using methods designed to study compositional variables. The results confirmed a significant impact of the way soil is used on the radioisotopic composition of the surface soil layers. However, some characteristics of the composition were common to both locations. It was discovered, that a significant proportion of the lead isotope Pb-210 was derived from atmospheric deposition. Other radioisotopes remained relatively close to equilibrium in their decay chains.