Norwegian scientists are concerned that unusually high levels of the radioactive isotope cesium-137 have been found in the carcasses of deer and other herbivores this fall.
The concentration of the isotope is 5 times higher than, for example, 2 years ago, and is comparable to that observed 30 years ago after the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant.
As the reason, scientists cite an unprecedented harvest of mushrooms that Norwegian reindeer feed on.
It is well known that mushrooms are excellent at absorbing all kinds of pollution in their places of growth and are able to transfer polluting elements to those who eat them. The mechanism of the penetration of the radioactive isotope cesium-137 into deer carcasses has been established, but where did the isotope come from in the soil?
Its appearance can hardly be explained by the Chernobyl disaster, because it happened back in 1986. Since then, the radioactive background has already returned to normal, and scientists have not traced any reasons for its deterioration. In addition, the half-life of cesium-137 is about 30 years.