[The possibility of using the method of neutron activation radiography to detect micro-quantities of environmental radioactive pollutants].

A method of neutron-activation radiography was employed to investigate U distribution in leaves of plants (poplars, birches), growing in areas of mining ores with a high level of U which penetrates plants from the soil via the root system and appears on the surface of leaves, repeating their macrostructure. U also falls out on the surface of leaves in radioactive dust. The shapes of U manifestation permit the identification of its routes of penetration of the leaves of plants. Local U concentration even in an insignificant total excess of a radiation background can be considerable, leading to the destruction of tissues of plants as a result of alpha-radiation of U nuclei. A conclusion has been made of the danger of contamination of agricultural plants, growing in areas with ecological problems.