Distribution of 210Po in soils of Virajpet taluk, Coorg District, Karnataka

Abstract

The present investigation involves the distribution of 210Po in the soils of Virajpet taluk, in Coorg District. The soil samples were collected along a vertical profile at various locations. The samples were analyzed for determination of 210Po activity using standard radiochemical analytical method. The distribution of 210Po along vertical profile was found. The dependence of 210Po activity on organic matter and clay in a vertical profile were analysed. The texture of soil shows that soil is sandy loam or loamy sand, in which illuviation takes place easily. The 210Po activity varies from 1.59 Bqkg−1 to 13.95 Bqkg−1 in first layer, 0.49 Bqkg−1 to 9.79 Bqkg−1 in second layer and 0.58 Bqkg−1 to 6.14 Bqkg−1 in third layer. A negative correlation between organic matter percentage and 210Po activity was found in all the three layers with correlation coefficient −0.872, −0.643 and −0.505. A negative correlation was observed between clay percentage and 210Po activity, in all the three layers with correlation coefficient −0.749, −0.512 and −0.402. The organic matter leaches vertically downwards, due to flow of rainwater.

Keywords

• Coorg
• Polonium
• Illuviation
• Soil
• Organic matter