Barnett, C.L. et al

Soil biological activity in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, Ukraine, September 2005 and spring 2016

https://doi.org/10.5285/19babe1c-b3a3-488c-b4fe-ebb4ab9237d8 Cite this dataset

Data comprise site location, soil chemistry (pH, soil moisture), soil radionuclide activity concentrations (the isotopes measured were: Americium-241, Caesium-137, Plutonium-238, -239 and -240, Strontium-90 (K-40 and U-238 activity concentrations were estimated from stable element data) and soil biological activity (derived from application of bait lamina sticks) at 18 sites in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone (CEZ), Ukraine in 2016; data for four sites in 2005 are also presented. Estimate absorbed radionuclide dose rates to soil invertebrates and bacteria are also presented. The primary purpose of these data was to enable an evaluation of the potential impact of radiation on soil organisms. The work was carried out by UKCEH, Chernobyl Centre for Nuclear Safety and the University of Salford. Funding for this work was via the TREE project funded by NERC, Environment Agency and Radioactive Waste Management Ltd. under the RATE programme.

Publication date: 2021-07-07

Where/When

Study area
Temporal extent: 2005-09-27 to 2016-05-07

Provenance & quality

In 2005 four sites referred to as Low, Medium, High (on the basis of their anticipated soil radionuclide activity concentrations) and Dead (an area where pine trees were killed in 1986) were sampled. In 2016 a further 18 sites (categorised on the basis of simplified habitat groups: ‘Coniferous’ or ‘Deciduous’ woodland; ‘Red Forest’) were sampled. Bait lamina sticks were applied to the soil and left for 18 days. After removal the bait lamina sticks were wiped and assessed for evidence of feeding. After removal of the bait lamina, soil was sampled and measurements of pH, moisture content and radionuclide activity concentrations were determined.
Field notes were transposed to MSExcel files, bait lamina readings and basic soil chemistry data were directly input to MSExcel files and radionuclide activity concentration data were supplied to UKCEH by Chornobyl Center as MSExcel files. All data were supplied to EIDC as csv files.