137Cs transfer from forage to milk and its removal by clay treatment

Since April 29, 1986, the radioactive contamination resulting from the accident of the Chernobyl reactor has been measured in various kinds of matrixes, with particular regard to Northern Italy. Here we present the data obtained for¹³⁷Cs from several measurements effected on milk and dairy products over the period of one year. In particular, we have studied the transfer kinetics of¹³⁷Cs from forage to milk by feeding dairy cows with forage of known activity and we have evaluated the body Cs absorption by measuring the percentages of Cs eliminated with milk as well as with urine and feces. Further, the decay rate of¹³⁷Cs in milk has been assessed and the results of the kinetic, analysis are reported. We have also evaluated the efficacy of various clay materials in removing Cs from milk. Here we report the results of adsorption kinetics for the grey clay which resulted the most effective material.