Distribution of 137Cs In the Surface Soil of Serpong Nuclear Site

Abstract

The distribution of ¹³⁷Cs in the surface soil layer of Serpong Nuclear Site (SNS) was investigated by field sampling. The Objectives of the investigation is finding the profile of ¹³⁷Cs distribution in the surface soil and the T_f value that can be used for estimation of radiation dose from livestock product-man pathways. The results indicates that the ¹³⁷Cs activity in surface soil of SNS is 0.80 ± 0,29 Bq/kg, much lower than in the Antarctic. The contribution value of ¹³⁷Cs from the operation of G.A.Siwabessy Reactor until now is undetectable. The T_f of ¹³⁷Cs from surface soil to Panisetum Purpureum, Setaria Spha Celata and Imperata Cylindrica grasses were 0.71 ± 0.14, 0.84 ± 0.27 and 0.81 ± 0.11 respectively. The results show that value of the transfer factor of ¹³⁷Cs varies between cultivated and uncultivated soil and also with the soils with thick humus. 

Received: 18 May 2010; Revised: 13 July 2011; Accepted: 20 July 2011