In this dissertation is analysed the transfer of artificial radionuclides (137Cs and 90Sr) from soil to tree. The main goal of this work – to estimate specific activi-ties of 137Cs and 90Sr in selected trees, investigate the peculiarities of these ra-dionuclides distribution in trees, suggest the methodology for estimation of the transfer of radionuclides from soil to tree in tree wood by chemical analog in soil under the tree crown, and to do the forecast of transfer of radionuclides in sys-tem “soil–tree” by the most relevant models. The main tasks solved in this dissertation are following: to do the radiomet-ric, radiochemical and biological affections researches of selected pines, evalu-ate the specific activity and concentration in collected samples of investigated radionuclides and their chemical analogs, apperciate the transfer of 137Cs and 90Sr from soil to tree and analyse peculiarities of this process by soil radioactive pollution and plants growing peculiarities; to modelling the spread of 137Cs and 90Sr distribution in system “soil–plant”, the accumulation of these radionuclides in tree and internal doses. This dissertation consists of introduction, five chapters, the main conclusion and recommendation, bibliography and list of author publications. In the introduction it is discussed the investigated problem, actualities of work, object of research, scientific novelty and practical significant of this dis-sertation, protective hypotheses. Additionally it is... [to full text] / Disertacijoje nagrinėjama dirbtinės kilmės radionuklidų (137Cs ir 90Sr) per-naša iš dirvožemio į medį. Pagrindinis šio darbo uždavinys – nustatyti 137Cs ir 90Sr savituosius aktyvumus tyrimui parinktuose medžiuose bei įvertinti šių ra-dionuklidų pasiskirstymo juose ypatumus, pasiūlyti metodiką radionuklido per-našos iš dirvožemio į medį vertinimui pagal radionuklido cheminį analogą dir-vožemyje po medžio laja, atlikti radionuklido pernašos iš dirvožemio į medį prognozę, parinkus tinkamiausius modelius. Šiame darbe sprendžiami tokie pagrindiniai uždaviniai: atlikti medžių sandų radiometrinius, radiocheminius ir pušų biologinio pažeistumo tyrimus; įvertinti tiriamųjų radionuklidų ir jų stabiliųjų cheminių analogų savituosius aktyvumus bandiniuose; įvertinti 137Cs ir 90Sr pernašos iš dirvožemio į medžius ir pasiskirs-tymo juose ypatumus, atsižvelgiant į dirvožemio radioaktyviąją užtaršą ir augalo vystymosi ypatumus; modeliuoti 137Cs ir 90Sr migracijos sistemoje „dirvožemis–medis“ sklaidą, įvertinti radionuklidų sukauptą augale kiekį, modeliuoti augalo patiriamą vidinę apšvitą. Disertaciją sudaro įvadas, penki skyriai, bendrosios išvados, rekomendaci-jos, naudotos literatūros ir autorės publikacijų sąrašai. Įvadiniame skyriuje aptariama tiriamoji problema, darbo aktualumas, apra-šomas tyrimų objektas, darbo mokslinis naujumas, darbo rezultatų praktinė reikšmė, ginamieji teiginiai. Pristatomos disertacijos tema autorės paskelbtos publikacijos, pranešimai, disertacijos struktūra... [toliau žr. visą tekstą]

A avaliação da largura de florestas ribeirinhas para a retenção de sedimentos inclui as seguintes hipóteses: 1. A presença da Floresta Ribeirinha é eficiente na retenção de sedimentos em áreas cultivadas por cana-de-açúcar; 2. Diferentes larguras de Florestas Ribeirinhas apresentam diferentes eficiências para essa função e, 3. As larguras de florestas ribeirinhas para a retenção de sedimentos variam de acordo com as características da microbacia. Para testar essas hipóteses, foi utilizada a técnica do 137Cs em áreas agrícolas cultivadas por cana-de-açúcar e em Áreas de Preservação Permanente de Iracemápolis, incluindo um fragmento Florestal Ribeirinho Remanescente, uma Área Restaurada com espécies nativas e uma área de Cerradão em Orindiúva. Essa técnica foi aplicada concomitantemente com o programa de interface EDI (Erosion Database Interface) que associa o modelo WEPP (Water Erosion Prediction Project), e SIG (Sistema de Informações Geográficas) para calcular erosão e deposição tanto para a escala das transeções quanto para as microbacias. Para complementar o estudo, as análises morfológicas do perfil do solo serviram para dar suporte à aplicação do modelo WEPP. A análise fitossociológica destacou-se como importante ferramenta para verificar a heterogeneidade das condições da vegetação. Todas as metodologias mostraram que a Floresta Ribeirinha foi eficiente para este papel, pois a deposição ocorreu somente na Floresta e a erosão foi predominante na cana-de-açúcar. A largura de 30 m de faixa ciliar apresentou 10% de eficiência para a retenção de sedimentos nas microbacias de Iracemápolis e 63% de eficiência para a microbacia do rio Turvo. As larguras de Florestas ribeirinhas de 46m, 56 m e 34 m foram as que permitiram uma produção aceitável de sedimentos de acordo com as condições atuais nas três microbacias de estudo (Wtsy). A modelagem utilizando a interface EDI mostrou que as larguras das florestas ribeirinhas para a retenção de sedimentos devem ser analisadas considerando as características da microbacia, como o comprimento de rampa, a - 6 - declividade, o tipo de solo. A heterogeneidade dos parâmetros fitossociológicos entre as transeções com relação à diversidade, densidade, área basal total indica que a análise da largura da Floresta Ribeirinha deve considerar o posicionamento dos fragmentos de floresta na paisagem, o estado de degradação ambiental da Floresta, a largura total do fragmento, a disposição dos elementos na paisagem, o tipo de solo, o histórico de ocupação das terras. / The main hypotheses of the present study regarding the evaluation of the efficiency of riparian forest to sediment retention were: 1. Riparian Forest is an efficient system for sediment retention in watersheds; 2. Different Riparian Forests widths present different efficiencies for this function and, 3. Widths of riparian forests to sediment retention vary according to watershed characteristics. Erosion prediction methods were applied in sugarcane crop areas in Iracemápolis, SP, where a natural Riparian Forest and a Reforested area were selected for the study, and in Orindiúva, SP, were a Savana vegetation (Cerrados) was studied. The interface program EDI (Erosion Database Interface) that links WEPP model (Water Erosion Prediction Project), to GIS (Geographical Information System) was used to evaluate erosion and sediment deposition in the watersheds. Morphological analyses of soil profiles was used as a tool to help in the evaluation of WEPP model deposition estimates. Phytossociologycal studies were important to characterize the heterogeneity of the riparian vegetation. All the methodologies showed that Riparian Forests was efficient for sediment retention. Sediment deposition was observed only in the riparian ecosystem while in the cultivated land the erosion process was predominant. 30m of riparian vegetation strip showed a capacity to retain 10% of the total amount of sediments produced in Iracemapolis watershed and 63% of the total amount in the Rio Turvo watershed. The riparian width of 46m, 56 m and 34 m produced acceptable sediment retention averages considering the current management. Riparian forest width for sediment retention evaluation should consider the watershed characteristics, as shape, slope, soil, kind of soil use and vegetation, historical management analysis, and the environmental conditions of the landscape.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-08-10T10:55:22Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Paulo Marcelo de Faria Vasconcelos.pdf: 2653494 bytes, checksum: cb5477d7e458b14743e00dd343465387 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2006-11-30 / Introduction: Biological changes that result from exposure to ionizing radiation (IR) involving the immune system (IS), still need some elucidation. Radiological accidents, like the one in Chernobyl in Ukraine, Three Mile Island in the United States and the accident with 137Cs in Brazil were some experiences that allow us to evaluate the stochastic effects of the exposure to the ionizing radiation, besides understanding important immediate somatic effects, like Radiation Acute Syndrome (RAS). The human body is constituted by about 5x1012 cells, and a number of them are highly specialized in the development of their function in human physiology. Considering the ionizing radiation effects on lymphocytes and their proteins, and the IS capacity to react in the face of such exposures, there has been an investigation into the proportions of cells T, B, NK and NK/T in 13 radio-casualties, coming from groups I and II according to the degree of exposure to 137Cs (SuLeide general protocol), in the September 13th 1987 accident in Goiânia. Objective: The study of lymphocyte cell populations T, B, NK and NK/T gives us the oportunity to investigate possible alterations in the immune system of the people who have been exposed to the IR of 137Cs. Methodology: For an evaluation of cell proportions, individuals exposed to IR were submitted to a vein puncture, after a voluntary agreement, so as to collect 5 ml of peripheral blood. As methodology, the flux cellmeter, triple checking, via use of monoclonal antibodies anti-CD3/PercP, anti- CD4/FITC, anti-CD8/PE, anti-CD19/FITC, anti-CD5/PE and anti-CD56/PE. Results: the numbers that were obtained from the cell populations and sub-populations of the individuals exposed to the IR of 137Cs and normal controls did not show any statistically meaningful difference, although was observed a little decrease of the total NK cell population, which is differently observed in the isolated evaluation of the NK and NK/T sub-populations, that showed statistically equivalent to the numbers found in normal controls. Conclusion: However, the outcome observed in this investigation suggested a possible IR influence upon these individuals cellular proportions. Additional experiments are now in development in order to evaluate the functional activity of cells NK and NK/T of the radio-casualties. / Introdução: As alterações biológicas tardias resultantes da exposição à radiação ionizante (RI) envolvendo o sistema imune (SI), ainda carecem de elucidação. Os acidentes radiológicos, como os de Chernobyl na Ucrânia, Tree Mile Island nos EUA e o acidente com o 137Cs no Brasil, foram experiências que permitiram avaliar os efeitos estocásticos da exposição à radiação ionizante, além da compreensão de efeitos somáticos imediatos importantes como a Síndrome Aguda da Radiação (SAR). O corpo humano é constituído por aproximadamente 5x1012 células, muitas delas altamente especializadas para o desempenho de suas funções na fisiologia humana. Considerando os efeitos da radiação ionizante sobre os linfócitos e suas proteínas e a capacidade do SI de reagir mediante tais exposições, no presente estudo realizou-se a investigação sobre as proporções de células T, B, NK e NK/T, em 13 indivíduos radioacidentados, provenientes dos grupos I e II conforme o grau de exposição ao 137Cs (protocolo geral da SuLeide) no acidente de 13 de Setembro de 1987 em Goiânia. Objetivo: O estudo das populações celulares de linfócitos T, B, NK e NK/T dá-nos oportunidade para investigar possíveis alterações no SI de pessoas expostas à RI de 137Cs. Métodos: Para a avaliação das proporções celulares, os indivíduos expostos à RI foram submetidos, após adesão voluntária ao estudo, a uma punção venosa para a coleta de 5 mL de sangue periférico. Foi utilizado como metodologia a citometria de fluxo, tripla marcação, mediante o uso dos anticorpos monoclonais anti-CD3/PercP, anti-CD4/FITC, anti-CD8/PE, anti-CD19/FITC, anti-CD5/PE e anti-CD56/PE. Resultados: Os valores obtidos a partir da avaliação das populações e sub-populações celulares dos indivíduos expostos à RI de 137Cs e controles normais não apresentaram diferença estatisticamente significante, embora foi observado uma pequena diminuição na população total das células NK, diferentemente do observado na avaliação isolada das subpopulações NK e NK/T, que se apresentaram equivalentes estatisticamente aos valores encontrados nos controles normais. Conclusão: Os resultados observados nesta investigação, no entanto, sugeriram uma possível influência da RI na proporção celular destes indivíduos. Experimentos adicionais encontram-se em desenvolvimento para avaliar a atividade funcional das células NK e NK/T dos radioexpostos.

A onipresença dos radionuclídeos naturais e artificiais nas diversas matrizes ambientais é passível de ser aproveitada como ferramenta em estudos de dinâmica sedimentar marinha, pois estes nuclídeos registram processos em escalas espaciais e temporais de acordo com seus níveis e distribuição espacial e vertical em sedimentos. Dentro deste contexto, este trabalho demonstrou o uso de radionuclídeos naturais (210Pb, 226Ra, 230,232Th, 234,238U) e artificiais (137Cs) em estudos de dinâmica sedimentar marinha com a espectrometria gama como única técnica analítica, através da apresentação de um conjunto de métodos de aplicação de radionuclídeos, modelos matemáticos e de interpretação de seus resultados. A primeira aplicação descrita foi uma avaliação quantitativa da sedimentação no Sistema Santos-São Vicente, que permitiu um estudo das variações espaciais e ao longo do tempo na sedimentação deste sistema costeiro. Outra aplicação foi o uso da ocorrência e distribuição espacial de 137Cs como uma ferramenta estratigráfica em sistemas costeiros do Oceano Atlântico Sul, com um modelo matemático cujos resultados indicaram um padrão latitudinal nos níveis de atividade deste nuclídeo consistente com observações de sua deposição atmosférica reportadas pela literatura internacional. Finalmente, um modelo de sedimentação e idade baseado nas relações entre isótopos de Th e U (validado com resultados de isótopos estáveis de oxigênio e bio/magnetoestratigrafia) foi empregado para estimar taxas de sedimentação e idades em testemunhos quaternários de duas margens continentais passivas (oeste do Oceano Atlântico Sul e Mar do Sul da China). Com os resultados deste modelo, observou-se períodos de aumento nos níveis de 230Th que podem sugerir a influência de fatores como variações na taxa de deposição de 230Th e ciclos orbitais de Milankovitch. / The occurrence of natural and artificial radionuclides in the environment can be used as a tool for studies of marine sedimentary dynamics, as these nuclides record environmental processes at both spatial and temporal scales. Within this context, this work aimed at demonstrating the use of natural (210Pb, 226Ra, 230,232Th, 234,238U) and artificial (137Cs) radionuclides in studies of sedimentary dynamics with gamma spectrometry as sole analytical technique. This was done through the application of several mathematical models and methods of radionuclides\' data interpretation. The first application was a quantitative assessment of sedimentation in the Santos-São Vicente coastal system, studying its spatial variations during the last century. Another application was the use of the occurrence and spatial distribution of 137Cs as a stratigraphical tool for age studies in coastal systems of the South Atlantic Ocean. With the results of a mathematical model it was possible to infer values of radionuclide deposition that showed a latitudinal pattern in the levels of this element, consistent with international reports of fallout atmospheric deposition. Finally, a model of sedimentation and age determination based on the relationships between Th and U isotopes was used to estimate sedimentation rates in Quaternary cores from two passive continental margins (South Atlantic western margin and South China Sea margin). The model was validated by statistical comparison with data of stable oxygen isotopes and bio/magnetostratigraphy. The results of this model showed periods with an increase on the 230Th excess activity that could be related to variations on Th deposition rate and the influence of Milankovitch orbital cycles on Th and U deposition.

A onipresença dos radionuclídeos naturais e artificiais nas diversas matrizes ambientais é passível de ser aproveitada como ferramenta em estudos de dinâmica sedimentar marinha, pois estes nuclídeos registram processos em escalas espaciais e temporais de acordo com seus níveis e distribuição espacial e vertical em sedimentos. Dentro deste contexto, este trabalho demonstrou o uso de radionuclídeos naturais (210Pb, 226Ra, 230,232Th, 234,238U) e artificiais (137Cs) em estudos de dinâmica sedimentar marinha com a espectrometria gama como única técnica analítica, através da apresentação de um conjunto de métodos de aplicação de radionuclídeos, modelos matemáticos e de interpretação de seus resultados. A primeira aplicação descrita foi uma avaliação quantitativa da sedimentação no Sistema Santos-São Vicente, que permitiu um estudo das variações espaciais e ao longo do tempo na sedimentação deste sistema costeiro. Outra aplicação foi o uso da ocorrência e distribuição espacial de 137Cs como uma ferramenta estratigráfica em sistemas costeiros do Oceano Atlântico Sul, com um modelo matemático cujos resultados indicaram um padrão latitudinal nos níveis de atividade deste nuclídeo consistente com observações de sua deposição atmosférica reportadas pela literatura internacional. Finalmente, um modelo de sedimentação e idade baseado nas relações entre isótopos de Th e U (validado com resultados de isótopos estáveis de oxigênio e bio/magnetoestratigrafia) foi empregado para estimar taxas de sedimentação e idades em testemunhos quaternários de duas margens continentais passivas (oeste do Oceano Atlântico Sul e Mar do Sul da China). Com os resultados deste modelo, observou-se períodos de aumento nos níveis de 230Th que podem sugerir a influência de fatores como variações na taxa de deposição de 230Th e ciclos orbitais de Milankovitch. / The occurrence of natural and artificial radionuclides in the environment can be used as a tool for studies of marine sedimentary dynamics, as these nuclides record environmental processes at both spatial and temporal scales. Within this context, this work aimed at demonstrating the use of natural (210Pb, 226Ra, 230,232Th, 234,238U) and artificial (137Cs) radionuclides in studies of sedimentary dynamics with gamma spectrometry as sole analytical technique. This was done through the application of several mathematical models and methods of radionuclides\' data interpretation. The first application was a quantitative assessment of sedimentation in the Santos-São Vicente coastal system, studying its spatial variations during the last century. Another application was the use of the occurrence and spatial distribution of 137Cs as a stratigraphical tool for age studies in coastal systems of the South Atlantic Ocean. With the results of a mathematical model it was possible to infer values of radionuclide deposition that showed a latitudinal pattern in the levels of this element, consistent with international reports of fallout atmospheric deposition. Finally, a model of sedimentation and age determination based on the relationships between Th and U isotopes was used to estimate sedimentation rates in Quaternary cores from two passive continental margins (South Atlantic western margin and South China Sea margin). The model was validated by statistical comparison with data of stable oxygen isotopes and bio/magnetostratigraphy. The results of this model showed periods with an increase on the 230Th excess activity that could be related to variations on Th deposition rate and the influence of Milankovitch orbital cycles on Th and U deposition.

A avaliação da largura de florestas ribeirinhas para a retenção de sedimentos inclui as seguintes hipóteses: 1. A presença da Floresta Ribeirinha é eficiente na retenção de sedimentos em áreas cultivadas por cana-de-açúcar; 2. Diferentes larguras de Florestas Ribeirinhas apresentam diferentes eficiências para essa função e, 3. As larguras de florestas ribeirinhas para a retenção de sedimentos variam de acordo com as características da microbacia. Para testar essas hipóteses, foi utilizada a técnica do 137Cs em áreas agrícolas cultivadas por cana-de-açúcar e em Áreas de Preservação Permanente de Iracemápolis, incluindo um fragmento Florestal Ribeirinho Remanescente, uma Área Restaurada com espécies nativas e uma área de Cerradão em Orindiúva. Essa técnica foi aplicada concomitantemente com o programa de interface EDI (Erosion Database Interface) que associa o modelo WEPP (Water Erosion Prediction Project), e SIG (Sistema de Informações Geográficas) para calcular erosão e deposição tanto para a escala das transeções quanto para as microbacias. Para complementar o estudo, as análises morfológicas do perfil do solo serviram para dar suporte à aplicação do modelo WEPP. A análise fitossociológica destacou-se como importante ferramenta para verificar a heterogeneidade das condições da vegetação. Todas as metodologias mostraram que a Floresta Ribeirinha foi eficiente para este papel, pois a deposição ocorreu somente na Floresta e a erosão foi predominante na cana-de-açúcar. A largura de 30 m de faixa ciliar apresentou 10% de eficiência para a retenção de sedimentos nas microbacias de Iracemápolis e 63% de eficiência para a microbacia do rio Turvo. As larguras de Florestas ribeirinhas de 46m, 56 m e 34 m foram as que permitiram uma produção aceitável de sedimentos de acordo com as condições atuais nas três microbacias de estudo (Wtsy). A modelagem utilizando a interface EDI mostrou que as larguras das florestas ribeirinhas para a retenção de sedimentos devem ser analisadas considerando as características da microbacia, como o comprimento de rampa, a - 6 - declividade, o tipo de solo. A heterogeneidade dos parâmetros fitossociológicos entre as transeções com relação à diversidade, densidade, área basal total indica que a análise da largura da Floresta Ribeirinha deve considerar o posicionamento dos fragmentos de floresta na paisagem, o estado de degradação ambiental da Floresta, a largura total do fragmento, a disposição dos elementos na paisagem, o tipo de solo, o histórico de ocupação das terras. / The main hypotheses of the present study regarding the evaluation of the efficiency of riparian forest to sediment retention were: 1. Riparian Forest is an efficient system for sediment retention in watersheds; 2. Different Riparian Forests widths present different efficiencies for this function and, 3. Widths of riparian forests to sediment retention vary according to watershed characteristics. Erosion prediction methods were applied in sugarcane crop areas in Iracemápolis, SP, where a natural Riparian Forest and a Reforested area were selected for the study, and in Orindiúva, SP, were a Savana vegetation (Cerrados) was studied. The interface program EDI (Erosion Database Interface) that links WEPP model (Water Erosion Prediction Project), to GIS (Geographical Information System) was used to evaluate erosion and sediment deposition in the watersheds. Morphological analyses of soil profiles was used as a tool to help in the evaluation of WEPP model deposition estimates. Phytossociologycal studies were important to characterize the heterogeneity of the riparian vegetation. All the methodologies showed that Riparian Forests was efficient for sediment retention. Sediment deposition was observed only in the riparian ecosystem while in the cultivated land the erosion process was predominant. 30m of riparian vegetation strip showed a capacity to retain 10% of the total amount of sediments produced in Iracemapolis watershed and 63% of the total amount in the Rio Turvo watershed. The riparian width of 46m, 56 m and 34 m produced acceptable sediment retention averages considering the current management. Riparian forest width for sediment retention evaluation should consider the watershed characteristics, as shape, slope, soil, kind of soil use and vegetation, historical management analysis, and the environmental conditions of the landscape.

Στην εργασία αυτή γίνεται μελέτη της κατανομής ραδιοϊσοτόπων και βαρέων μετάλλων σε ιζήματα του Πατραϊκού κόλπου, δίνοντας έμφαση στις κατακόρυφες συγκεντρώσεις του τεχνητού ισοτόπου 137Cs. Στο Α’ μέρος πραγματοποιείται βιβλιογραφική επισκόπηση σχετικά με τις πηγές και τις συγκεντρώσεις του 137Cs στον Ελληνικό και Ευρωπαϊκό χώρο, επικεντρώνοντας το ενδιαφέρον στις επιπτώσεις από το ατύχημα του Chernobyl το 1986. Ακόμα, γίνεται σύγκριση των τιμών του 137Cs στα θαλάσσια ιζήματα και στην υδάτινη στήλη ανάμεσα σε διαφορετικές περιοχές της Ελλάδας. Στο Β’ μέρος μελετώνται δύο πυρήνες, που λήφθηκαν με κιβωτολήπτη (box corer) από τον Πατραϊκό κόλπο, σε βάθη 35 και 95 μέτρων αντίστοιχα. Ειδικότερα, γίνονται κοκκομετρικές αναλύσεις, καθώς και μετρήσεις 14 βαρέων μετάλλων με τη μέθοδο Three Steps (BCR). Ακόμα, μετρώνται οι συγκεντρώσεις του 137Cs και του 40K με χρήση φασματομετρίας ακτινών γ σε ανιχνευτή υψηλής καθαρότητας γερμανίου (HPGe). Τα αποτελέσματα των παραπάνω μετρήσεων παρουσιάζουν μια συσχέτιση του λεπτότερου κοκκομετρικού κλάσματος με υψηλότερες συγκεντρώσεις σε 137Cs. Ακόμα, οι τιμές του 137Cs παρουσιάζουν μια ομογενοποίηση στα ανώτερα 18 cm και των δύο πυρήνων, που αποδίδεται όχι τόσο σε φυσικές διεργασίες αλλά κυρίως σε ανάδευση των ιζημάτων από αλιευτικά εργαλεία (μηχανότρατες υποδομής πυθμένα). / The present study refers to the vertical distribution of radionuclides and heavy metals in the marine sediments of Patras gulf, focusing on the concentrations of the artificial isotope 137Cs. The first part consists of a review of the sources and concentrations of the 137Cs in Greece and Europe, focusing on the impacts of the Chernobyl accident (1986). Moreover, a comparison between the 137Cs activities in the marine sediments and water column in different areas around Greece takes place. In the second part, two cores that were sampled in Patras gulf at depths of 35 and 95 meters with a box corer are studied. Particularly, vertical grain size distribution and concentrations of 14 heavy metals determined by use of the BCR methodology are presented. Furthermore, 137Cs and 40K activities that were determined by γ-ray spectrometry with an HPGe detector. The results showed a correlation between the fine sediments and the higher 137Cs activities and moreover, a homogenization of its activities in the upper 18 cm of both cores. The homogenization was interpreted as a result of the resuspension of the surface sediments mainly caused by trawl fisheries than natural phenomena.

The two-photon decay in nuclei has been formally theorized for many years and attempted to be measured on numerous occasions. The special case of a 0 + → 0 + transition in nuclei was examined for certain isotopes, and a branching ratio for the two-photon decay determined for each isotopes. Measurements of the branching ratio in nuclei other than this special case had so far proven unsuccessful. Motivated to find the two-photon branching ratio in a case where the transition competes with the single photon transition, we study the 11/2 − 137 Ba isomer. The experiment was performed at the Technische Universität Darmstadt using the available LaBr 3 scintillation detectors. We first study the absorption of various gamma energies by lead and compare the resulting values to a GEANT4 simulation. With an ideal value for lead shield thickness, the experimental setup is built in order to obtain a high two-photon count rate, while suppressing direct Compton scattering between detector pairs and suppressing other background interference. In order to suppress the background, plastic scintillators were placed atop the experimental setup. To treat the daunting level of random coincidences measured with this setup, fine energy and time gates were placed on the processed events in order to limit observation to the region of interest. Throughout the experiment, three different detector pair angles were successfully examined: 72 ◦ , 120 ◦ , and 144 ◦ . With these three angles a partial representation of the angular distribution of the two-photon decay is observed. The branching ratios were measured to be 1.56(23)·10 −6 , 0.55(22)·10 −6 , and 0.70(18)·10 −6 for the angles of 72 ◦ , 120 ◦ , and 144 ◦ respectively, with the values of 72 ◦ and 144 ◦ recorded in Ref.[1]. This experiment therefore shows it is possible to obtain a value for the two-photon branching ratio in the 11/2 − excited state of 137 Ba . A precise determination of this value, and for that of other nuclei, might contribute to solve current fundamental open problems such as restricting the parameters of the equation of state, or accurately determining neutron skin thickness.

abstract: Numerous studies have examined the interplay of climate, tectonics, biota and erosion and found that these variables are intertwined in a complicated system of feedbacks and as a result, some of these factors are often oversimplified or simply neglected. To understand the interplay of these factors one must understand the processes that transport or inhibit transport of soil. This study uses the short-lived, fallout-derived, radionuclides 137Cs and 210Pb to identify soil transport processes and to quantify soil transport using the profile distribution model for 137Cs. Using five field sites in the San Gabriel Mountains of California, I address four questions: (1) Is there a process transition between high and low gradient slopes observable with short-lived isotopes? (2) Do convex hilltops reflect short-term equilibrium erosion rates? (3) Do linear transects of pits accurately characterize hillslope averaged erosion rates? and (4) What role does fire play on short-term soil transport and isotope distribution? I find no evidence supporting a process transition from low gradient to high gradient slopes but also find that significant spatial variability of erosion rates exist. This spatial variability is the result of sensitivity of the method to small scale variations in isotopes and indicates that small scale processes may dominate broader scale trends. I find that short-term erosion rates are not at equilibrium on a convex hilltop and suggest the possibility of a headward incision signal. Data from a post-fire landscape indicates that fires may create complications in 137Cs and 210Pb distribution that current models for erosion calculation do not account for. I also find that across all my field sites soil transport processes can be identified and quantified using short-lived isotopes and I suggest high resolution grid sampling be used instead of linear transects so that small scale variability can be averaged out. / Dissertation/Thesis / M.S. Geological Sciences 2011

The diploma thesis Radiocaesium in agricultural uncultivated soils is focused on creation literary review, collection soil samples and then preparation of samples for gamaspectrometric analysis to determine content of the radionuclide (137Cs). In the first part of literature review radiocaesium and its sources in the environment are characterised. Radiocaesium transport in atmosphere, the 137Cs deposition on soil and its influence on human is included. In the next part, soil parameters, behaviour of radiocaesium in soil, following countermeasures, differences between soils in agroecosystems and agricultural uncultivated soils, contamination of soils with radiocaesium in Czech Republic are described. Materials, methodology and description of chosen locations are followed. The main part of the thesis is focused on determination of radiocaesium content in uncultivated soils. In 2013, soil samples (57 samples of 5-cm-top A organic profiles and 57 samples of deeper B mineral profiles from 5-12-cm of depth) were taken from four selected locations: Valašské Meziříčí-Juřinka, Velké Karlovice, Loukov, Prostřední Bečva. Soil samples were always collected in three specific areas: meadow, deciduous forest (mixed forest) and coniferous forest. The lowest values of 137Cs activity in soils were observed in Juřinka (average value in profiles A 16.9 +- 4.29 Bq.kg-1 and B 11.6 +- 2.53 Bq.kg-1), then in Loukov (average value in profiles A 38.8 +- 30.22 Bq.kg-1 and B 18.6 +- 12.60 Bq.kg-1). The highest values 137Cs in Velké Karlovice (in profiles A 64.7 +- 44.11 Bq.kg-1 and B 30.1 +- 21.50 Bq.kg-1), lower values in Prostřední Bečva (in profiles A 46.6 +- 30.01 Bq.kg-1 and B 24.9 +- 28.50 Bq.kg-1) were measured. Significant differences between 137Cs activity in top A soil profile and deeper B profile in all four locations were found (T-test, P less then 0.05). In all locations, the highest average values radiocaesium activities were observed in coniferous forest (average values in profiles A 65.7 +- 41.91 Bq.kg-1 and B 35.03 +- 28.94 Bq.kg-1), then in deciduous forest (average values in profiles A 33.8 +- 17.27 Bq.kg-1 and B 20.1 +- 7.51 Bq.kg-1) and the lowest in meadows (average values in profiles A 14.9 +- 4.53 Bq.kg-1 and B 10.7 +- 3.63 Bq.kg-1), (P less then 0.05). The 137Cs activities in soil profiles were converted from the radiocaesium activity concentration (Bq kg-1) to the 137Cs depositional density (kBq m-2), and the densities ranged from 0.93 to 12.94 kBq m-2. Results were processed to tables, graphs and map. In the closing part of thesis, our results were discussed and compared with published data and ecological importance of radiocaesium activity in agricultural uncultivated soils was also assessed.