Observations of Fukushima fallout in Great Britain

Following the Fukushima accident in March 2011, grass samples were collected from 42 sites around Great Britain during April 2011. Iodine-131 was measurable in grass samples across the country with activity concentrations ranging from 10 to 55 Bq kg−1 dry matter. Concentrations were similar to those reported in other European countries. Rainwater and some foodstuffs were also analysed from a limited number of sites. Of these, 131I was only detectable in sheep’s milk (c. 2 Bq kg−1). Caesium-134, which can be attributed to releases from the Fukushima reactors, was detectable in six of the grass samples (4–8 Bq kg−1 dry matter); 137Cs was detected in a larger number of grass samples although previous release sources (atmospheric weapons test and the 1986 Chernobyl and 1957 Windscale accidents) are likely to have contributed to this.

► Grass samples from across Great Britain were sampled and analysed following releases from the Fukushima accident. ► Iodine-131 was detectable, at low levels, in grass samples from throughout the country. ► Iodine-131 activity concentrations in grass in Great Britain were similar to those elsewhere in Europe. ► Iodine-131 was detected in 2 sheep milk samples but not in cow or goat milk (from single sites). ► Cs-134 was detected in a small number of grass samples (n = 6).