THE detection of accidental radiation
leaks from nuclear power plants may
just become easier, thanks to orchids.
Researchers from Mangalore University
(Karnataka) have zeroed in on an epiphytic orchid called Cyrnbidium aloifo which can be used for monitoring
radiation levels in the vicinity of atomic
power plants. The orchid was identification
while studying accumulation of radio
nuclides like polonium-210 and and care
sium- 137, pro-minent in plant species
of tropical forests in the Western Ghate
near Kaiga, where 2 units of the 235 MW
nuclear power plant are being set up.
While the polonium level in the
orchid plant can be used to monitor
fluctuation of natural radiation. the
level of caesium can be used to monitor
artificially produced radio nuclides.
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