Uptake and accumulation of radionuclides in berries plants and berries growing in the forest ecosystem in the area adjoining the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site

It is known, that berries plants, components of biosphere, accumulate radionuclides both natural, 40K,226Ra и 232Th and manmade, including 137Cs and 90Sr. he transport of these radionuclides in the biosphere was the result of the intensive use of nuclear energy since the 40s of the 20th century. The article presents findings of the research on levels and parameters of the radionuclides accumulation in berries plants and berries growing in the areas adjoining the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site, as well as in the zone of radioactive fallouts from the first Soviet nuclear test (29.08.1949). In all samples of berries specific activity of the radionuclides did not exceed the acceptable level. Annual committed effective dose of internal radiation to the public members consumed berries would be less than 1% of the acceptable level for the public, whereas natural radionuclides would be the greater contributors to the total radiation dose.