Application in Ecological Studies

The uptake of trace metals from the soil by plants and animals can be studied with high sensitivity by radiotracer techniques. In these applications, it is important that the chemical form of the radiotracer is identical with that of the trace element to be studied. For example, in agriculture, the uptake of trace elements necessary for plant growth can be investigated. Essential trace elements, such as Se, are of special interest. By use of radioactively labelled selenium compounds the transfer of this element from soil to plants and animals can be measured. For the investigation of the transfer of radionuclides (radioecology), addition of tracers is, in general, not needed. 

In radioecology, transfer factors for relevant radionuclides in various systems (e.g. soil — plant, plant — animal, plant — man, animal — man) have been determined. These transfer factors are used for the assessment of radiation doses received by animals or man due to the presence of natural radionuclides or of radioactive fall-out. 

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