Guidelines on Soil and Vegetation Sampling for Radiological Monitoring

This publication addresses the sampling of soil and vegetation in terrestrial ecosystems, including agricultural, forest and urban environments, contaminated with radionuclides from events such as radiation accidents, radiological incidents and past nuclear activities. It considers sampling strategies and programmes, which are relevant for both emergency and existing exposure situations. Practical guidelines are provided on the design and implementation of sampling programmes for soil and vegetation within the framework of environmental monitoring. Examples of best practice on the formulation of optimized sampling strategies for different exposure situations are given based on the experience and lessons learned from implementation of past and existing programmes.