Environmental Dynamics of Radiocaesium and Long-term Prediction of Transfer in Terrestrial Environment—Transfer and Cycling of Radiocaesium in Forest Environment—

Abstract

The Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant Accident released large quantities of radionuclides into the atmosphere, with subsequent fallout onto wide area of land surface in Fukushima and its neighboring prefectures. Because approximately 70％ of the radiocaesium deposited on land was in forest areas, an analysis of the spatial distribution and transfer of radiocaesium in forested landscapes is necessary to diagnose both the environmental impacts of the accident and the environmental recovery from radioactive contamination. This article summarizes research findings from an investigation into radiocaesium dynamics in terrestrial environments in and around Fukushima prefecture, and gives prospects in future prediction of impacts and recovery.