Mystery of Radioactive Wild Boars in Europe Unraveled After Decades!

Photo Source- Torsten Behrens

Decades post-Chernobyl, the "Wild Boar Paradox" mystery is cracked by TU Wien and Leibniz Univ., revealing a surprising link to 1960s nuclear weapons tests.

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Prof. Georg Steinhauser's team digs into wild boar radioactivity, finding cesium-137 levels defy decay norms, remaining mysteriously high post-Chernobyl.

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Cesium-137 ratios in boars tell a tale: 90% from Chernobyl, but shockingly, up to 68% linked to 1960s weapons tests due to boars' unique diet.

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The "cesium front" from truffle-loving boars unravels the secret - cesium's slow migration from underground mushrooms explains the prolonged radioactivity.

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Dr. Bin Feng notes the importance of cesium-137 and cesium-135 ratios, highlighting the distinct fingerprints revealing radioactive material origins.

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Boars' love for deer truffles, found 20-40 cm underground, means Chernobyl's cesium is still being absorbed, keeping radioactivity persistently high.

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Prof. Steinhauser underscores the complexity of ecosystems, emphasizing that precise measurements unveil the answers to such enduring mysteries.

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Brace for the unexpected: the contamination in wild boar meat is set to linger due to the intricate dance of cesium migration, nuclear events, and decay.

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