Migration of radionuclide in soil and plants in the Western Ghats environment

Background: A study on the migration characteristics of 238U, 210Po, 232Th and 40K within the soil to the wild plants in the Western Ghats were carried out. Materials and Methods: Concentrations of these radionuclides were measured in different depths of soil and from different species by employing gamma ray spectrometer and alpha counter. Results: The activity concentration of these radionuclides varied faintly within the soil but widely varied within the plant and between the species. Conclusion: The CR (Concentration ratio) showed wide variation in different species, while a few species of wild plants such as Evodia roxburghiana, Eleaocarpus oblangus and Glochidion neilgherense indicated preferential uptake of these radionuclides. Iran. J. Radiat. Res., 2008 6 (1): 7-12