Naturally occurring radionuclides in mushrooms from uranium mining regions in Germany

Federal Office for Radiation Protection, Koepenicker Allee 120-130, 10318 Berlin, Germany

Abstract

There is a heavy legacy of former uranium mining and milling in Germany. Thousands of relics, mainly waste rock piles with enhanced levels of radionuclides of the uranium/radium series are often situated near residential areas. During the last years extensive investigations were carried out within the framework of the project "Altlastenkataster" (Register of Contaminated Sites) to identify and assess mining relics and the environmental impact caused by them. The investigations included sampling and measurements of biota. Since many waste rock piles or their surroundings are afforested, mushrooms were sampled, where available. Although the consumption rates are low, authorities have to answer the question if this pathway remarkably can contribute to the radiation exposure caused by ingestion and if people could consume these mushrooms or not. Measuring results of mushrooms from the data base of mining related environmental radioactivity are evaluated and typical ranges of the concentrations of naturally occurring radionuclides for mushrooms are given, compared with data from literature and assessed. Based on the measuring values possible doses from the consumption of mushrooms are calculated using standard assumptions and conclusions are drawn.