Influence of Precipitation on the Spatial Distribution of 210Pb, 7Be, 40K and 137Cs in Moss

Mosses have been widely used as biomonitors of a variety atmospheric pollutants, including radionuclides. Here we determine the radionuclide activity concentration 210Pb, 137Cs, 7Be, and 40K in moss tissue (Hylocomium splendens) collected from 24 sites across Ireland assess influence precipitation on spatial distribution. Lead-210 was most abundant (range: 226–968 Bq kg–1), followed by 7Be <DL—604 <DL—155 137Cs <DL—41 kg–1). Albeit nearly thirty years since Chernobyl disaster, detected at 67% study sites; however, distribution not fully consistent with 1986 deposition pattern. Rather, weakly correlated rainfall, higher concentrations along west coast, suggesting that 2011 Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear accident also potential source. Average annual rainfall significant predictor 210Pb (linear regression, R2 = 0.63, p < 0.001). As such, highest observed for (average: 541 owing to high levels 1585 mm). In contrast, or were precipitation; rather, significantly each other (rs 0.7), both radionuclides transferred substrate through soil re-suspension. Precipitation is reported an important factor radionuclides; only strongly influenced current study.