Cesium (Cs) generated by nuclear accidents is one of the most hazardous radionuclides because of its gamma radiation and long half-life. Especially, when Cs is exposed on the soil environments, Cs is mainly adsorbed on the topsoil and is strongly combined with tiny soil particle including clay minerals. The adsorption of Cs onto soil can vary depending on various physicochemical properties of soil. In this study, the adsorption characteristics between soil and Cs were investigated according to various physicochemical properties of soil including organic matter contents, cation exchange capacity (CEC), soil particle size, and the types of clay minerals. Soil organic matter inhibited the adsorption of Cs onto the soil because organic matter was blocking the soil surface. In addition, it was estimated that the CEC of the soil influenced the adsorption of Cs onto the soil. Moreover, more Cs was adsorbed as the soil particles size decreased. It was estimated that Cs was mostly adsorbed onto the topsoil, this is related to the clay mineral. Therefore, soil organic matter, CEC, soil particle size, and clay minerals are considered the key factors that can influence the adsorption characteristics between soil and Cs.

Keywords: Cesium;Organic matter;Cation exchange capacity (CEC);Clay minerals;