The radial distribution of ¹³⁷Cs and ⁴⁰K in tree stems

Abstract

Analysis of phloem and successive xylem rings from five trees (American beech, Bitternut hickory, Black locust, Red Oak, Sugar maple) for ¹³⁷Cs and ⁴⁰K by gamma‐ray spectrometry showed a positive correlation between the concentration of ¹³⁷Cs and the sapwood/heartwood boundary in the American beech. There was, however, no correlation between the advent of nuclear weapon testing and the concentration of ¹³⁷Cs in the xylem of any of the trees studied.

Key words:

• Tree analysis
• Cesium‐137 uptake
• American beech