Technogenic contamination of meadow ecosystems in the Sozh river floodplain in Vetka district, Gomel region, 30 years after the Chernobyl catastrophe

The article contains data on technogenic contamination of meadow ecosystems in the river Sozh floodplain in Vetka district, Gomel region, 30 years after the Chernobyl catastrophe. Seven meadow ecosystems were examined. The aim of the research was to assess contamination of meadow ecosystems by cesium-137, strontium-90 and heavy metals. Geobotanical, ecological-floristic, radiological, chemical methods were used in the research. The greatest specific activity of 137Cs was recorded in Deschampsietum cespitosae association and the highest activity of 90Sr was noticed in Junco- Deschamsietum cespitosae association. In the soil the highest level was stated for Fe (312,12 mg/kg) and for Mn (72,22 mg/kg). The minimum was determined for Cd (˂ 0.06 mg / kg); the same amount of Cr was observed in all objects. At the same time, small differences were noted in the accumulation of Co. The content of heavy metals didn’t exceed the maximum permissible concentration of heavy metals in the studied meadow ecosystems soils...