Natural Uranium and Thorium Distributions in Podzolized Soils and Native Blueberry

• DOI: 10.2134/jeq2002.1550
• Publication Date: 2010-06-14T06:55:19Z
• Authors: L. S. Morton; C. V. Evans; G. O. Estes
• Keywords: Cycling; Vaccinium; Nuclide; Plant tissue

ABSTRACT Plant uptake of radionuclides is one many vectors for introduction contaminants into the human food chain. Thus, it critical to understand soil–plant relationships that control nuclide bioavailability. Our objectives in this study were (i) determine extent U and Th cycling by blueberry ( Vaccinium pallidum Aiton) native habitat (ii) identify soil properties processes contribute most bioavailability system. We collected composite samples plant leaves stems, from surface (AE) horizons upper part Bs horizon at two sites. Concentration ratios (CRs) calculated all tissues, using both AE as base. Soil concentrations ranged 16 25 μg g −1 , with a mean 21.1 14 97 41.8 Mean 8.65 × 10 −3 leaf tissue, 7.95 stem tissue. 1.59 9.10 −2 Blueberry plants are system, occurring greater than U. In addition, was translocated preferentially while showed little preferential translocation. Uranium uptake, however, seemed more sensitive properties.