Analysis of radioactivity contained in mushrooms inhabiting in Fukushima

Abstract

In this study, we analyzed radioactive substances contained in mushrooms inhibiting in Fukushima prefecture to reveal influence of Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident on the environment in Fukushima. As a result, Cs-137 was detected in mushrooms and soil, although the air dose rates were low level(about 0.1 μSv/h). If Cs-137 was detected in soil, Cs-137 was detected in mushrooms which inhabit on trees. On the other hand, radioactive substances were not detected in plants which grew around the mushrooms. These results indicate that the air dose rates measured by survey meter are insufficient to understand the environmental pollution by radioactivity. They also suggest a possibility that radioactive substances contained in mushrooms should be derived from soil.