Effect of shallow groundwater discharge on the formation of dissolved Cs-137 concentrations in surface water in a forest headwater catchment

Kato, Hiroaki*; Niwano, Yuma*; Akaiwa, Satoru*; Donovan, A.*; Takahashi, Junko*; Onda, Yuichi*; Niizato, Tadafumi  

This study aims to elucidate the hydrological processes of water outflow from forest slopes in Fukushima Prefecture, which received significant radiocesium deposition after the accident, and to examine their impact on the variability of dissolved radiocesium concentrations in surface water. This study provides that not only does radiocesium leach from organic matter near stream channels but that outflow of shallow groundwater within forest slope soils also promotes radiocesium from broader areas of the forested slopes to the streams.