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Radiation sensors

THE detection of accidental radiation leaks from nuclear power plants may just become easier, thanks to orchids. Researchers from Mangalore University (Karnataka) have zeroed in on an epiphytic orchid called Cyrnbidium aloifo which can be used for monitoring radiation levels in the vicinity of atomic power plants. The orchid was identification while studying accumulation of radio nuclides like polonium-210 and and care sium- 137, pro-minent in plant species of tropical forests in the Western Ghate near Kaiga, where 2 units of the 235 MW nuclear power plant are being set up.

While the polonium level in the orchid plant can be used to monitor fluctuation of natural radiation. the level of caesium can be used to monitor artificially produced radio nuclides.

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