Could mosses be used for the subsequent mapping of the Chernobyl fallout?

The correct and detailed mapping of ground surface contamination with long-lived radioisotopes, especially with super(137)Cs, resulting from the Chernobyl reactor accident is important from the aspects of public health, economic and scientific investigation. The test for radioactivity in the soil is the most universally accepted method for subsequent measurement of ground contamination. As an alternative method, a biomonitor of widespread occurrence can be employed. For the purpose of mapping, owing to their easier collection, mosses seem to be the more suitable of the two. Mosses have also long been used to measure metallic pollutants of the atmosphere. Mosses (Ceratodon purpureus, Tortula ruralis , and Bryum argenteum ) were collected from unprotected roofs of buildings. Samples were prepared from the total (living plus dead) air-dry biomass of the mosses. The activity was measured with a calibrated Ge(Li) gamma-spectrometer.