Radiocaesium contamination of mushrooms at high- and low-level Chernobyl exposure sites and its consequences for public health

Abstract

We compare the specific activities of Cs-137 and K-40 in stipes and caps of three different common mushroom species (Xerocomus badius, Russula ochroleuca and Armillariella mellea) measured at the Czech Chernobyl hot spot in the Opava area (Silesia) and at a low-exposed site at the Beskydy mountains in 2011. The highest values of Cs-137 were found in caps of Xerocomus badius and Russula ochroleuca in the Opava area (11.8 and 8.77 kBq/kg, respectively). The source of Cs-137 was verified by the measurement of the Cs-134/Cs-137 ratio. Based on our results, we estimate an effective dose per year due to radiocaesium intake in the two investigated areas for Xerocomus badius, one of the most popular edible mushrooms in the Czech Republic. In 2011, the effective dose reached the maximum value of 0.102 mSv in the Opava area and 0.004 mSv at the low-exposed site at the Beskydy mountains. Therefore, it does not represent a significant risk for public health.