Work

Temporal and spatial variation in 137Cs concentrations in wild boar (Sus scrofa) from Sweden

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This study investigates temporal and spatial variation in 137 Cs activity concentrations in Swedish wild boar between 2011 and 2024 to assess long-term ecological impacts of radiocaesium of anthropogenic origin. Data from a total of 5844 meat samples collected across 39 municipalities in six counties were analysed. Average ground deposition of 137 Cs in these municipalities in 1986 ranged from 1.84 to 51.55 kBq m − 2 . The average 137 Cs concentration in wild boar meat was 1679 Bq kg −1 , with 27.5% of samples exceeding the sales limit of 1500 Bq kg −1 . Seasonal variation in 137 Cs activity concentrations in wild boar meat was evident, with levels peaking in winter and early spring and declining nearly fivefold in late summer and early autumn, across all locations. On average, younger boars (≤1 year) exhibited 25% higher concentrations than older individuals, with the greatest differences observed in winter and no differences in autumn. No sex-specific differences in concentrations were detected. A weak but statistically significant correlation was observed between meat radioactivity and average ground deposition across all counties, with a slightly weaker correlation in Gävleborg and Uppsala. Overall, 137 Cs deposition remained the primary factor explaining the observed levels of meat contamination. A twofold increase in 137 Cs deposition resulted in an almost proportional increase in 137 Cs activity concentrations in wild boar meat, whereas the 137 Cs transfer factor ( T ag ) remained largely unchanged. The geometric mean T ag for wild boar was 0.052 m 2 kg −1 , while the effective half-life ( T eff ) of 137 Cs varied widely among municipalities (2–3 to >30 years); no T eff could be estimated for the study area as a whole due to the absence of a consistent decline in 137 Cs activity concentrations.

Source: Journal of Environmental Radioactivity

DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2026.108006

Authors: Mykhailo Vinichuk, Klas Rosén, Pål Andersson, Julia Kyaschenko, Robert N. Weimer

Institutions: Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Zhytomyr Polytechnic State University, Swedish Radiation Safety Authority, Uppsala University

Language: English

Topic: Radioactive contamination and transfer

Subfield: Global and Planetary Change

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Life on land

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,800