Patterns of 137Cs accumulation in the fruiting bodies of mushrooms in moist relatively fertile forest sites of the Zhytomyr Polissia region

Oleh Zhukovskyi, Volodymyr Krasnov, Oleksandr Orlov, Tetiana Kurbet, Viktoriia Melnyk-Shamrai
Received: 26.12.2025 Revised: 20.04.2026 Accepted: 27.05.2026 Published: 29.05.2026
Retrieved from Vol. 29, No. 2, 2026 Pages: 48-58
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Abstract

The aim of the study was to investigate the existing patterns of radioactive contamination in mushrooms growing under moist, relatively fertile forest site conditions. The investigation was carried out in Zhytomyr Polissia region within a widespread but poorly studied forest site type in terms of radioecology – moist relatively fertile forest site. The study elucidated the values of indicators characterising the intensity of 137Cs accumulation in fresh and dry mushroom fruiting bodies, namely the 137Cs concentration ratio and the aggregated transfer coefficient of 137Cs. The high concentration ratios observed in dry samples connected with the substantial loss of moisture during drying. Significant interspecific differences in 137Cs accumulation in mushroom fruiting bodies were identified, allowing the establish of a ranked series reflecting the intensity of radionuclide uptake by different species. Values of concentration ratio of radionuclide in fresh mushrooms varied from 0.01 ± 0.005 (Lepista sordida) to 7.4 ± 1.23 (Paxillus involutus). The excess of the maximum value of this index over the minimum reached 740 times. Values of concentration ratio of radionuclide in dry mushrooms varied from 0.15 ± 0.02 in Hygrophorus eburneus tо 90.9 ± 16.54 in Paxillus involutus. In fresh fruiting bodies ranked series in descending order of concentration ratio can be build up: Paxillus involutus → Imleria badia → Suillus luteus, and in dry mushroom fruiting bodies – Paxillus involutus → Suillus luteus → Imleria badia. The results have practical significance for identifying forest areas which require radiological control of edible mushrooms during harvesting. The results can also be applied for organisation and implementation of radioecological monitoring programme in radioactively contaminated forest ecosystems

Keywords

type of forest site conditions; radionuclide; activity concentration; concentration ratio; aggregated transfer coefficient; drying coefficient

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Zhukovskyi, O., Krasnov, V., Orlov, O., Kurbet, T., & Melnyk-Shamrai, V. (2026). Patterns of 137Cs accumulation in the fruiting bodies of mushrooms in moist relatively fertile forest sites of the Zhytomyr Polissia region. Scientific Horizons, 29(2), 48-58. https://doi.org/10.48077/scihor2.2026.48