Distribution of 152Eu and 154Eu in the ‘alluvial soil–rhizosphere–plant roots’ system

Accumulation of 152Eu and 154Eu isotopes in bulk soil and rhizosphere soil in the near-field zone of influence of the Krasnoyarsk Mining and Chemical Combine was studied. An uneven distribution of specific activity of Eu isotopes was observed, with the gross specific activities of the isotopes in the bulk soil exceeding those of the rhizosphere. In the most contaminated locations the fine and the coarse granulometric fractions are enriched with the isotopes. A laboratory experiment indicated potential removal of soluble Eu isotopes by river flood waters may amount to 3% of the total Eu in both bulk and rhizosphere soils. The root system of plants growing in the contaminated territory accumulates 152Eu and 154Eu, although the isotopes were not discovered in aboveground parts of plants. Root-hairs were found to be the most contaminated.

► Gross specific activities of Eu isotopes in bulk soil exceed those in the rhizosphere.
► The fine and the coarse granulometric fractions are enriched with Eu isotopes.
► The removal of Eu isotopes by high waters amounts to 3%.
► Only root system of plants accumulates Eu isotopes.
► Root-hairs were found to be the most contaminated.