Uranium in the environment: 'Zero state' in Serbia
The main physical and chemical properties of uranium, its origin and distribution in Serbia, with respect to the geochemical composition of soil, are presented. Data on the concentration of uranium from natural and technological sources (coal ashes and slugs, phosphate fertilizers etc.) are given. The results of long term studies of the uranium content in soil, water, plants, food, fodder and others in Serbia indicate an enhanced radiation burden on the environment due to certain technological production processes. The activity of uranium in the soil - plant - product system are in the range of Bq or mBq. By determination of transfer factors for uranium in food chains, i.e. in the soil-plant-product system, bioindicators for uranium were established. The transfer factors are mainly in the range 10-3 do 10-1. Also, some recommendations for the study of uranium originating from the depleted uranium ammunition used in Serbia are given.