Bio-indicators in the tropical forest of western Ghats environment

Introduction: Investigation on the natural radionuclides U-238, Th-232, K-40 and natural fallout radionuclide Po-210 in the prominent plants species of Western Ghats tropical forest near Kotagiri have been carried out as a part of baseline background radiation studies in the forest environment. Materials and Methods: The prominent plants species of the region Evodia roxburghiana and Eleaocarpus oblangus were chosen and concentrations of U-238, Th-232, K-40 and Po-210 were measured by employing gamma ray spectrometer and alpha counter. Results: The radioactivity concentrations in plants and soils reflect the impact of the existence of igneous nature of rock in the area of study. Concentration ratios (CR) of these radionuclides, between plants and underlying soil, have been studied and results shows that the concentration ratios (CR) seem to be depend on radionuclides in soil. Conclusion: From careful analysis of the results, these Plants could be used as an indicator to monitor these radionuclides. Iran. J. Radiat. Res., 2008; 5 (4): 195-202