[Long time combined action of cadmium and ultraviolet radiation on barley plants]. / Osobennosti dlitel'nogo sovmestnogo deistviia kadmiia i ul'trafioletovogo izlucheniia na iachmen'.

In a greenhouse experiment the development of biomass and grain yield was studied under a long-time combined action of medium-wave UV-radiation and cadmium (exposure levels of the agents were, respectively, 0.65-1.30 W/m2, 5 and 50 mg/kg of soil). The influence of the metal on the UV-radiation induced inhibition of the vegetative mass development was found to be dependent on the duration of stress: with increase in the exposure time the cadmium ability for cushioning negative effects of irradiation decreases. Simultaneously the contribution of the metal and its interaction with UV-radiation to the variability in the observed indicator (biomass) becomes much less significant than that of irradiation. Considerable independent of cadmium concentration reduction in the grain yield becomes evident at a rate of medium-wave UV-radiation intensity of 0.65 W/m2, whereas at UV-radiation exposure levels of 1.30 W/m2 and the heavy metal concentration of 50 mg/kg in soil practically total inhibition of grain productivity occurred. As for grain formation, relative effects of irradiation were somewhat higher than these of cadmium and its interaction with UV-radiation.

The use of hexacyanoferrates in different forms to reduce radiocaesium contamination of animal products in Russia.

Hexacyanoferrates have been identified as highly effective radiocaesium binders which effectively reduce radiocaesium uptake and transfer to milk and meat. In Russia a hexacyanoferrate called ferrocyn has been produced for use as a countermeasure. In 1989-1992, experiments were undertaken in Russia to study the effectiveness of four different ferrocyn materials as 137Cs binders, their potential toxicity, effect on production rates of cow milk, effect on animal health and ease of implementation in routine agricultural practice. Four different ferrocyn delivery forms have been used: 98% pure powder, sustained release rumen boli (15% ferrocyn), salt licks (10% ferrocyn) and sawdust with 10% ferrocyn adsorbed (bifege). In initial experiments with different cows, sheep and pigs these four ferrocyn materials were effective in reducing radiocaesium transfer to animal products. Daily administration of ferrocyn powder at a rate of 3-5 g per cow reduced 137Cs transfer by up to 90% in milk. One single administration of three boli per cow (containing 30 g ferrocyn per boli) reduced 137Cs transfer by 50-75% for a period of 2 months. Salt licks containing 10% ferrocyn (0.22 kg ferrocyn per 2.2 kg briquette provided once) reduced transfer of 137Cs up to twofold for up to 10 days whilst bifege, given at a rate of 30-60 g day-1 (3-6 g day-1 ferrocyn), reduced 137Cs transfer by 90-95%. However, large-scale application of these ferrocyn materials on collective and private farms in agricultural trials in 1994 resulted in a lower effectiveness. Therefore, in 1996 a comparative assessment of the application of the four ferrocyn forms was made under carefully controlled conditions. The results fully validated the previous experimental data, and showed the importance of meeting recommended procedures for treatment, particularly when hexacyanoferrates are administered on a day-to-day basis.