Minerals in soil can control nuclear pollution

Can the soil play a role in the protection of cereals and human health in the nuclear radiation-contaminated areas? Japanese researchers for the first time measured the degree of influence of radioactive cesium affecting soil-plant conversion in the Fukushima region, which may give an answer.

Radon in water is easily dissolved in water and soon diffused. A large number of soil samples were collected from Fukushima and their ability to resist radioactive helium was tested. They found that this depends on many factors. One of the key factors is the mineral composition such as rough or weathered mica in the soil, and its rough edges can capture radioactive cesium and prevent it from moving. This is the so-called wear edge point (FES) concentration. Nakajima explained that simple experiments are difficult to quantify FES. Soil scientists use another measure called "Radioactive Radial Potential" (RIP). However, such measurements are time-consuming and require specialized equipment to prevent their proliferation. . . However, different soils have the ability to prevent the spread of various toxins and enter the food chain.

Therefore, "these findings may help to screen out soil that has been transferred to land by radioactive earthworms."