Sequelae of nuclear leakage on Chernobyl trees

Radiation exposure from the Chernobyl incident in 1986 left long-term sequelae on trees in the area, according to a new study.

US researchers said the worst effects were recorded in the first few years after the nuclear disaster. However, surviving plants are very vulnerable to stressful environmental conditions, such as drought.

Writing in Trees magazine, the research team emphasized that their work is the first to consider the effect on a panoramic scale. They discovered that the saplings were especially affected by the nuclear incident that happened nearly three decades ago.

The color change of the growth ring on the log chain indicates the year of the Chernobyl nuclear leak.(Photo: BBC)

Tim Mousseau, a research team member from the University of South Carolina (USA), stated: "Our results are consistent with previous findings of sample-based studies on a smaller scale. They are also consistent with many reports of genetic effects on plants, many of which show high rates of abnormal growth, reflecting the consequences of genetic modification and cell death from exposure. with radiation leakage ".

In their study, Professor Mousseau and his colleagues chose to examine the core samples of the sycamore trees, as they were found throughout Europe and grown very much in the Chernobyl area due to their High economic value. In addition, growth rings on the tree parts are also easier to read in other plant species in the study area, such as birch trees.

The phenomenon of twisted limbs is thought to be due to sudden changes in radiation exposure.

Mousseau's group hopes to continue their research in Japan's Fukushima region, where logging has a huge impact on the economy and pine trees are also widely cultivated.

"Based on our limited observations in the field of Fukushima's most serious radioactive areas, there seems to be no mass death of trees as noted for the chained trees at Chernobyl. However, we found that there is a gradual death of growing shoots and branches in some areas, implying that the incident could affect plant growth. This still needs further investigation. " , Mr. Mousseau explained.