Needles as indicators of Cs-137 uptake by treesThe continuous sampling of various age classes of needles from permanent sample plots of the Finnish Forest Research Institute has resulted data for analysis of accumulation of 137Cs in needles. The aim has been to study the variation of activity concentrations of 137Cs in needles after radionuclide contamination of forests from the Chernobyl accident in 1986 and to find out how it indicates the temporary changes and differences in site and stand conditions in the long-term. A number of productive forests has been studied for 137Cs in needles of Norway spruce (Picea abies) and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris). The time series since 1987 will be completed for further analysis of factors that could have affected the accumulation of radioactive caesium in needles. The results will be published internationally in 2010-2011. The results with the emphasis on their implications to forest management after radionuclide contamination will be distributed to the forest industry and advisor organisations in Finland. Responsible scientistAino Rantavaara/STUK, Lasse Aro/Metla Page updated 19/07/2010
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