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Mishra S, Duarte GT, Horemans N, Ruytinx J, Gudkov D, Danchenko M. Complexity of responses to ionizing radiation in plants, and the impact on interacting biotic factors. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 924:171567. [PMID: 38460702 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
In nature, plants are simultaneously exposed to different abiotic (e.g., heat, drought, and salinity) and biotic (e.g., bacteria, fungi, and insects) stresses. Climate change and anthropogenic pressure are expected to intensify the frequency of stress factors. Although plants are well equipped with unique and common defense systems protecting against stressors, they may compromise their growth and development for survival in such challenging environments. Ionizing radiation is a peculiar stress factor capable of causing clustered damage. Radionuclides are both naturally present on the planet and produced by human activities. Natural and artificial radioactivity affects plants on molecular, biochemical, cellular, physiological, populational, and transgenerational levels. Moreover, the fitness of pests, pathogens, and symbionts is concomitantly challenged in radiologically contaminated areas. Plant responses to artificial acute ionizing radiation exposure and laboratory-simulated or field chronic exposure are often discordant. Acute or chronic ionizing radiation exposure may occasionally prime the defense system of plants to better tolerate the biotic stress or could often exhaust their metabolic reserves, making plants more susceptible to pests and pathogens. Currently, these alternatives are only marginally explored. Our review summarizes the available literature on the responses of host plants, biotic factors, and their interaction to ionizing radiation exposure. Such systematic analysis contributes to improved risk assessment in radiologically contaminated areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shubhi Mishra
- Institute of Plant Genetics and Biotechnology, Plant Science and Biodiversity Centre, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 950 07 Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Gustavo Turqueto Duarte
- Unit for Biosphere Impact Studies, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre SCK CEN, 2400 Mol, Belgium
| | - Nele Horemans
- Unit for Biosphere Impact Studies, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre SCK CEN, 2400 Mol, Belgium; Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Joske Ruytinx
- Department of Bio-engineering Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Dmitri Gudkov
- Institute of Hydrobiology, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 04210 Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Maksym Danchenko
- Institute of Plant Genetics and Biotechnology, Plant Science and Biodiversity Centre, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 950 07 Nitra, Slovakia.
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Woldemelak WA. Inbreeding effects on different lineages of Thrips tabaci (Thysanoptera: Thripidae). JOURNAL OF INSECT SCIENCE (ONLINE) 2024; 24:6. [PMID: 38484108 PMCID: PMC10939166 DOI: 10.1093/jisesa/ieae017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Inbreeding can have detrimental effects on reproductive fitness, but the extent of lineage-specific variation in these effects remains poorly understood. This study investigated the effects of brother and sister inbreeding on reproductive fitness in 2 lineages (L1 and T) of T. tabaci. Inbred females from both lineages exhibited a significant reduction in longevity compared with the control group. The L1 lineage experienced a 27% and 43% decrease in longevity in the F2 and F3 generations, respectively, while the T lineage showed a similar trend with a 30% and 44% decrease. The T lineage consistently displayed slightly longer lifespans than the L1 lineage across all generations. Brother and sister inbreeding also led to a decrease in fecundity rates in both lineages. In the F3 generation, the number of eggs laid decreased by 59% compared with the F2 generation. The T lineage consistently exhibited slightly lower fecundity rates compared with the L1 lineage. Egg hatchability rates declined with subsequent inbreeding, with the F3 generation showing lower rates compared with the F2 generation. However, the T lineage did not exhibit a significant difference in inbreeding depression for egg hatchability rates, while the L1 lineage demonstrated a noticeable decrease. Deformities observed in male L1 lineage resulting from inbreeding were consistent with disruptions in normal developmental processes, affecting various body parts such as legs, antennae, and wings. Continued inbreeding increased susceptibility to inbreeding depression in terms of longevity, fecundity, and egg hatchability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wondimagegn Atilaw Woldemelak
- Department of Horticulture Science, College of Agriculture and Natural Resource Science, Debreberhan University, Debreberhan, Ethiopia
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Sakauchi K, Otaki JM. Soil Microbes and Plant-Associated Microbes in Response to Radioactive Pollution May Indirectly Affect Plants and Insect Herbivores: Evidence for Indirect Field Effects from Chernobyl and Fukushima. Microorganisms 2024; 12:364. [PMID: 38399767 PMCID: PMC10892324 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12020364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The biological impacts of the nuclear accidents in Chernobyl (1986) and Fukushima (2011) on wildlife have been studied in many organisms over decades, mainly from dosimetric perspectives based on laboratory experiments using indicator species. However, ecological perspectives are required to understand indirect field-specific effects among species, which are difficult to evaluate under dosimetric laboratory conditions. From the viewpoint that microbes play a fundamental role in ecosystem function as decomposers and symbionts for plants, we reviewed studies on microbes inhabiting soil and plants in Chernobyl and Fukushima in an attempt to find supporting evidence for indirect field-specific effects on plants and insect herbivores. Compositional changes in soil microbes associated with decreases in abundance and species diversity were reported, especially in heavily contaminated areas of both Chernobyl and Fukushima, which may accompany explosions of radioresistant species. In Chernobyl, the population size of soil microbes remained low for at least 20 years after the accident, and the abundance of plant-associated microbes, which are related to the growth and defense systems of plants, possibly decreased. These reported changes in microbes likely affect soil conditions and alter plant physiology. These microbe-mediated effects may then indirectly affect insect herbivores through food-mass-mediated, pollen-mediated, and metabolite-mediated interactions. Metabolite-mediated interactions may be a major pathway for ecological impacts at low pollution levels and could explain the decreases in insect herbivores in Fukushima. The present review highlights the importance of the indirect field effects of long-term low-dose radiation exposure under complex field circumstances.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joji M. Otaki
- The BCPH Unit of Molecular Physiology, Department of Chemistry, Biology and Marine Science, Faculty of Science, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara 903-0213, Okinawa, Japan;
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Sakauchi K, Otaki JM. Imaging Plate Autoradiography for Ingested Anthropogenic Cesium-137 in Butterfly Bodies: Implications for the Biological Impacts of the Fukushima Nuclear Accident. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13051211. [PMID: 37240856 DOI: 10.3390/life13051211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The Fukushima nuclear accident in March 2011 caused biological impacts on the pale grass blue butterfly Zizeeria maha. At least some of the impacts are likely mediated by the host plant, resulting in "field effects". However, to obtain the whole picture of the impacts, direct exposure effects should also be evaluated. Here, we examined the distribution of experimentally ingested anthropogenic cesium-137 (137Cs) in adult butterfly bodies using imaging plate autoradiography. We showed that 137Cs ingested by larvae was incorporated into adult bodies and was biased to females, although the majority of ingested 137Cs was excreted in the pupal cuticle and excretory material during eclosion. 137Cs accumulation in adult bodies was the highest in the abdomen, followed by the thorax and other organs. These results suggest that 137Cs accumulation in reproductive organs may cause adverse transgenerational or maternal effects mediated by reactive oxygen species (ROS) on germ cells. 137Cs accumulation was detected in field individuals collected in September 2011 and September 2016 but not in May 2011, which is consistent with the abnormality dynamics known from previous studies. Taken together, these results contribute to an integrative understanding of the multifaceted biological effects of the Fukushima nuclear accident in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ko Sakauchi
- The BCPH Unit of Molecular Physiology, Department of Chemistry, Biology and Marine Science, Faculty of Science, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara 903-0213, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Joji M Otaki
- The BCPH Unit of Molecular Physiology, Department of Chemistry, Biology and Marine Science, Faculty of Science, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara 903-0213, Okinawa, Japan
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Otaki JM, Sakauchi K, Taira W. The second decade of the blue butterfly in Fukushima: Untangling the ecological field effects after the Fukushima nuclear accident. INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT 2022; 18:1539-1550. [PMID: 35475314 DOI: 10.1002/ieam.4624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Many field observations of the biological effects of the Fukushima nuclear accident have been reported in the first decade after the accident. A series of observational and experimental studies have demonstrated causal adverse effects on the pale grass blue butterfly even at the low-level radiation exposure in the "field," contrary to the dosimetric view that insects are generally tolerant of radiation exposure. However, it has been demonstrated that the pale grass blue butterfly is tolerant of high oral doses of anthropogenic radioactive cesium (137 Cs) under "laboratory" conditions. This field-laboratory paradox can be explained by ecological field effects; for example, radiation stress in the field causes physiological and biochemical changes in the host plant, which then trophically affects butterfly larvae. The second decade of butterfly-based Fukushima research will be devoted to demonstrating how such adverse field effects occur. Changes in the host plant's nutritional contents likely affect butterfly physiology. The host plant may also upregulate secondary metabolites that affect herbivorous insects. The plant may be affected by changes in endophytic soil microbes in radioactively contaminated areas. If demonstrated, these results will reveal that the delicate ecological balances among the butterfly, its host plant, and soil microbes have been affected by radioactive pollution in Fukushima, which has important implications for environmental policies and human health. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2022;18:1539-1550. © SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joji M Otaki
- The BCPH Unit of Molecular Physiology, Department of Chemistry, Biology and Marine Science, Faculty of Science, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Ko Sakauchi
- The BCPH Unit of Molecular Physiology, Department of Chemistry, Biology and Marine Science, Faculty of Science, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Wataru Taira
- The BCPH Unit of Molecular Physiology, Department of Chemistry, Biology and Marine Science, Faculty of Science, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan
- Research Planning Office, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan
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Anderson D, Kaneko S, Harshman A, Okuda K, Takagi T, Chinn S, Beasley JC, Nanba K, Ishiniwa H, Hinton TG. Radiocesium accumulation and germline mutations in chronically exposed wild boar from Fukushima, with radiation doses to human consumers of contaminated meat. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 306:119359. [PMID: 35487469 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Genetic effects and radioactive contamination of large mammals, including wild boar (Sus scrofa), have been studied in Japan because of dispersal of radionuclides from the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant in 2011. Such studies have generally demonstrated a declining trend in measured radiocesium body burdens in wildlife. Estimating radiation exposure to wildlife is important to understand possible long-term impacts. Here, radiation exposure was evaluated in 307 wild boar inhabiting radioactively contaminated areas (50-8000 kBq m-2) in Fukushima Prefecture from 2016 to 2019, and genetic markers were examined to assess possible germline mutations caused by chronic radiation exposures to several generations of wild boar. Internal Cs activity concentrations in boar remained high in areas near the power plant with the highest concentration of 54 kBq kg-1 measured in 2019. Total dose rates to wild boar ranged from 0.02 to 36 μGy h-1, which was primarily attributed to external radiation exposure, and dose rates to the maximally exposed animals were above the generic no-effects benchmark of 10 μGy h-1. Using the estimated age of each animal, lifetime radiation doses ranged from <0.1 mGy to 700 mGy. Despite chronic exposures, the genetic analyses showed no significant accumulation of mutation events. Because wild boar is an occasional human dietary item in Japan, effective dose to humans from ingesting contaminated wild boar meat was calculated. Hypothetical consumption of contaminated wild boar meat from radioactively contaminated areas in Fukushima, at the per capita pork consumption rate (12.9 kg y-1), would result in an average effective annual dose of 0.9 mSv y-1, which is below the annual ingestion limit of 1 mSv y-1. Additionally, a consumption rate of about 1.4 kg y-1 of the most contaminated meat in this study would not exceed annual ingestion limits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donovan Anderson
- Institute of Radiation Emergency Medicine, Hirosaki University, Hirosaki, Aomori, Japan; Center for Research in Isotopes and Environmental Dynamics, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan.
| | - Shingo Kaneko
- Symbiotic Systems Science and Technology, Fukushima University, Fukushima City, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Amber Harshman
- Environmental Protection Services Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, 37831, USA
| | - Kei Okuda
- Faculty of Human Environmental Studies, Hiroshima Shudo University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Toshihito Takagi
- Symbiotic Systems Science and Technology, Fukushima University, Fukushima City, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Sarah Chinn
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Aiken, SC, USA
| | - James C Beasley
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Aiken, SC, USA
| | - Kenji Nanba
- Institute of Environmental Radioactivity, Fukushima University, Fukushima City, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Hiroko Ishiniwa
- Institute of Environmental Radioactivity, Fukushima University, Fukushima City, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Thomas G Hinton
- Institute of Environmental Radioactivity, Fukushima University, Fukushima City, Fukushima, Japan; Centre for Environmental Radioactivity, Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
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Ingestional Toxicity of Radiation-Dependent Metabolites of the Host Plant for the Pale Grass Blue Butterfly: A Mechanism of Field Effects of Radioactive Pollution in Fukushima. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12050615. [PMID: 35629283 PMCID: PMC9146399 DOI: 10.3390/life12050615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Biological effects of the Fukushima nuclear accident have been reported in various organisms, including the pale grass blue butterfly Zizeeria maha and its host plant Oxalis corniculata. This plant upregulates various secondary metabolites in response to low-dose radiation exposure, which may contribute to the high mortality and abnormality rates of the butterfly in Fukushima. However, this field effect hypothesis has not been experimentally tested. Here, using an artificial diet for larvae, we examined the ingestional toxicity of three radiation-dependent plant metabolites annotated in a previous metabolomic study: lauric acid (a saturated fatty acid), alfuzosin (an adrenergic receptor antagonist), and ikarugamycin (an antibiotic likely from endophytic bacteria). Ingestion of lauric acid or alfuzosin caused a significant decrease in the pupation, eclosion (survival), and normality rates, indicating toxicity of these compounds. Lauric acid made the egg-larval days significantly longer, indicating larval growth retardation. In contrast, ikarugamycin caused a significant increase in the pupation and eclosion rates, probably due to the protection of the diet from fungi and bacteria. These results suggest that at least some of the radiation-dependent plant metabolites, such as lauric acid, contribute to the deleterious effects of radioactive pollution on the butterfly in Fukushima, providing experimental evidence for the field effect hypothesis.
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Sakauchi K, Taira W, Otaki JM. Metabolomic Profiles of the Creeping Wood Sorrel Oxalis corniculata in Radioactively Contaminated Fields in Fukushima: Dose-Dependent Changes in Key Metabolites. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12010115. [PMID: 35054508 PMCID: PMC8780803 DOI: 10.3390/life12010115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The biological impacts of the Fukushima nuclear accident, in 2011, on wildlife have been studied in many organisms, including the pale grass blue butterfly and its host plant, the creeping wood sorrel Oxalis corniculata. Here, we performed an LC–MS-based metabolomic analysis on leaves of this plant collected in 2018 from radioactively contaminated and control localities in Fukushima, Miyagi, and Niigata prefectures, Japan. Using 7967 peaks detected by LC–MS analysis, clustering analyses showed that nine Fukushima samples and one Miyagi sample were clustered together, irrespective of radiation dose, while two Fukushima (Iitate) and two Niigata samples were not in this cluster. However, 93 peaks were significantly different (FDR < 0.05) among the three dose-dependent groups based on background, low, and high radiation dose rates. Among them, seven upregulated and 15 downregulated peaks had single annotations, and their peak intensity values were positively and negatively correlated with ground radiation dose rates, respectively. Upregulated peaks were annotated as kudinoside D (saponin), andrachcinidine (alkaloid), pyridoxal phosphate (stress-related activated vitamin B6), and four microbe-related bioactive compounds, including antibiotics. Additionally, two peaks were singularly annotated and significantly upregulated (K1R1H1; peptide) or downregulated (DHAP(10:0); decanoyl dihydroxyacetone phosphate) most at the low dose rates. Therefore, this plant likely responded to radioactive pollution in Fukushima by upregulating and downregulating key metabolites. Furthermore, plant-associated endophytic microbes may also have responded to pollution, suggesting their contributions to the stress response of the plant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ko Sakauchi
- The BCPH Unit of Molecular Physiology, Department of Chemistry, Biology and Marine Science, Faculty of Science, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa 903-0213, Japan; (K.S.); (W.T.)
| | - Wataru Taira
- The BCPH Unit of Molecular Physiology, Department of Chemistry, Biology and Marine Science, Faculty of Science, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa 903-0213, Japan; (K.S.); (W.T.)
- Research Planning Office, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa 903-0213, Japan
| | - Joji M. Otaki
- The BCPH Unit of Molecular Physiology, Department of Chemistry, Biology and Marine Science, Faculty of Science, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa 903-0213, Japan; (K.S.); (W.T.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-98-895-8557
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Fuller N, Smith JT, Takase T, Ford AT, Wada T. Radiocaesium accumulation and fluctuating asymmetry in the Japanese mitten crab, Eriocheir japonica, along a gradient of radionuclide contamination at Fukushima. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 292:118479. [PMID: 34752791 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.118479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The 2011 Tohoku earthquake-tsunami and the subsequent nuclear accident at the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Station (FDNPS) led to large-scale radionuclide contamination of the marine and freshwater environment. Monitoring studies of marine food products in the Fukushima region have generally demonstrated a declining trend in radiocaesium concentrations. However, the accumulation and elimination of radiocaesium and potential biological effects remain poorly understood for freshwater biota inhabiting highly contaminated areas at Fukushima. Consequently, the present study aimed to assess radiocaesium accumulation and developmental effects on the commercially important catadromous Japanese mitten crab, Eriocheir japonica. E. japonica were collected from four sites along a gradient of radionuclide contamination 4-44 km in distance from the FDNPS in 2017. To determine potential developmental effects, fluctuating asymmetry (FA) was used as a measure of developmental stability. Combined 134Cs and 137Cs values for whole E. japonica from highly contaminated sites 4 and 16 km in distance from the FDNPS were 3040 ± 521 and 2250 ± 908 Bq kg-1 wet weight respectively, 30 and 22 times greater than the Japanese standard limit of 100 Bq kg-1. Estimated total dose rates based on radiocaesium concentrations in whole crabs and sediment ranged from 0.016 to 37.7 μGy h-1. No significant relationship between radiocaesium accumulation and FA was recorded, suggesting that chronic radiation exposure at Fukushima is not inducing developmental effects in E. japonica as measured using fluctuating asymmetry. Furthermore, estimated dose rates were below proposed regulatory limits where significant deleterious effects are expected. The present study will aid in the understanding of the long-term consequences of radiation exposure for non-human biota and the management of radioactively contaminated environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil Fuller
- Institute of Marine Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Ferry Road, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO4 9LY, UK.
| | - Jim T Smith
- School of Environmental, Geographical and Geological Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Burnaby Building, Burnaby Road, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO1 3QL, UK
| | - Tsugiko Takase
- Institute of Environmental Radioactivity, Fukushima University, 1 Kanayagawa, Fukushima City, Fukushima Prefecture, 960-1296, Japan
| | - Alex T Ford
- Institute of Marine Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Ferry Road, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO4 9LY, UK
| | - Toshihiro Wada
- Institute of Environmental Radioactivity, Fukushima University, 1 Kanayagawa, Fukushima City, Fukushima Prefecture, 960-1296, Japan
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Sakauchi K, Taira W, Otaki JM. Metabolomic Response of the Creeping Wood Sorrel Oxalis corniculata to Low-Dose Radiation Exposure from Fukushima's Contaminated Soil. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11090990. [PMID: 34575139 PMCID: PMC8472241 DOI: 10.3390/life11090990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The biological consequences of the Fukushima nuclear accident have been intensively studied using the pale grass blue butterfly Zizeeria maha and its host plant, the creeping wood sorrel Oxalis corniculata. Here, we performed metabolomic analyses of Oxalis leaves from Okinawa to examine the plant metabolites that were upregulated or downregulated in response to low-dose radiation exposure from Fukushima's contaminated soil. The cumulative dose of radiation to the plants was 5.7 mGy (34 μGy/h for 7 days). The GC-MS analysis revealed a systematic tendency of downregulation among the metabolites, some of which were annotated as caproic acid, nonanoic acid, azelaic acid, and oleic acid. Others were annotated as fructose, glucose, and citric acid, involved in the carbohydrate metabolic pathways. Notably, the peak annotated as lauric acid was upregulated. In contrast, the LC-MS analysis detected many upregulated metabolites, some of which were annotated as either antioxidants or stress-related chemicals involved in defense pathways. Among them, only three metabolite peaks had a single annotation, one of which was alfuzosin, an antagonist of the α1-adrenergic receptor. We conclude that this Oxalis plant responded metabolically to low-dose radiation exposure from Fukushima's contaminated soil, which may mediate the ecological "field effects" of the developmental deterioration of butterflies in Fukushima.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ko Sakauchi
- The BCPH Unit of Molecular Physiology, Department of Chemistry, Biology and Marine Science, Faculty of Science, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa 903-0213, Japan; (K.S.); (W.T.)
| | - Wataru Taira
- The BCPH Unit of Molecular Physiology, Department of Chemistry, Biology and Marine Science, Faculty of Science, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa 903-0213, Japan; (K.S.); (W.T.)
- Center for Research Advancement and Collaboration, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa 903-0213, Japan
| | - Joji M. Otaki
- The BCPH Unit of Molecular Physiology, Department of Chemistry, Biology and Marine Science, Faculty of Science, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa 903-0213, Japan; (K.S.); (W.T.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-98-895-8557
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Nguyen Phuong T, Kaneko S, Koya S, Ohira H, Tsukada H. Radiation dose rate to Japanese cedar and plants collected from Okuma, Fukushima Prefecture. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 779:146350. [PMID: 33744576 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.146350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
After the 2011 Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Station (FDNPS) accident, wild populations of animals and plants living in the evacuation zone received additional ionizing radiation of both internal and external radiation doses. Morphological abnormalities of pine and fir trees near the FDNPS were reported. In order to evaluate dose-effect relationships, it is necessary to quantify the radiation doses to trees and plants. In this study, the internal and external dose rates to Japanese cedar and plants collected at three sites in Okuma, approximately 4 km southwest of FDNPS were estimated applying the ERICA Assessment Tool. The activity concentrations of 134Cs and 137Cs in soils, cedar trunks, and plants were determined. The total dose rates to cedar ranged from 2.2 ± 1.2 to 6.1 ± 2.2 μGy h-1. These rates were within the derived consideration reference levels (DCRLs) reported by ICRP 108 as 4-40 μGy h-1 for pine trees. The highest estimate for plants was 7.1 ± 2.7 μGy h-1, much smaller than the DCRLs reported for grasses and herbs (40-400 μGy h-1). On average, the internal radiation dose rates to cedars at the two sites accounted for 5% and 29% of the external dose rates, respectively, while the value in another site was only 0.4% for cedar. This was attributed to differences in the crown area between the three sites. The trunk diameter of cedars shows a positive correlation with the ratio of internal to external radiation dose rates. It indicates that the total dose rate to cedars is easily estimated with the soil radiocaesium inventory and trunk diameter. The internal radiation dose rate to the plant varied depending on the plant species. This variation was considerably large in plants due to the presence of two species, including Solidago altissima and Artemisia indica var. maximowiczii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thoa Nguyen Phuong
- Graduate School of Symbiotic Systems Science and Technology, Fukushima University, 1 Kanayagawa, Fukushima City, Fukushima Prefecture 960-1296, Japan; Institute of Environmental Radioactivity, Fukushima University, 1 Kanayagawa, Fukushima City, Fukushima Prefecture 960-1296, Japan
| | - Shingo Kaneko
- Faculty of Symbiotic Systems Science, Fukushima University, 1 Kanayagawa, Fukushima City, Fukushima Prefecture 960-1296, Japan; Institute of Environmental Radioactivity, Fukushima University, 1 Kanayagawa, Fukushima City, Fukushima Prefecture 960-1296, Japan
| | - Shishido Koya
- Graduate School of Symbiotic Systems Science and Technology, Fukushima University, 1 Kanayagawa, Fukushima City, Fukushima Prefecture 960-1296, Japan
| | - Hajime Ohira
- Graduate School of Symbiotic Systems Science and Technology, Fukushima University, 1 Kanayagawa, Fukushima City, Fukushima Prefecture 960-1296, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Tsukada
- Institute of Environmental Radioactivity, Fukushima University, 1 Kanayagawa, Fukushima City, Fukushima Prefecture 960-1296, Japan.
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Nutrient Imbalance of the Host Plant for Larvae of the Pale Grass Blue Butterfly May Mediate the Field Effect of Low-Dose Radiation Exposure in Fukushima: Dose-Dependent Changes in the Sodium Content. INSECTS 2021; 12:insects12020149. [PMID: 33572324 PMCID: PMC7916146 DOI: 10.3390/insects12020149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The pale grass blue butterfly Zizeeria maha is sensitive to low-dose radioactive pollution from the Fukushima nuclear accident in the field but is also highly tolerant to radioactive cesium (137Cs) in an artificial diet in laboratory experiments. To resolve this field-laboratory paradox, we hypothesize that the butterfly shows vulnerability in the field through biochemical changes in the larval host plant, the creeping wood sorrel Oxalis corniculata, in response to radiation stress. To test this field-effect hypothesis, we examined nutrient contents in the host plant leaves from Tohoku (mostly polluted areas including Fukushima), Niigata, and Kyushu, Japan. Leaves from Tohoku showed significantly lower sodium and lipid contents than those from Niigata. In the Tohoku samples, the sodium content (but not the lipid content) was significantly negatively correlated with the radioactivity concentration of cesium (137Cs) in leaves and with the ground radiation dose. The sodium content was also correlated with other nutrient factors. These results suggest that the sodium imbalance of the plant may be caused by radiation stress and that this nutrient imbalance may be one of the reasons that this monophagous butterfly showed high mortality and morphological abnormalities in the field shortly after the accident in Fukushima.
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Iwasa M, Nakaya F, Kabeya H, Sato K, Ishikawa SI, Takahashi T. Radiocesium concentrations in invertebrates and their environmental media at two distances from the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant during 3-6 years after the 2011 accident. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 267:115657. [PMID: 33254726 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Activity concentrations of the radioactive cesium (134Cs and 137Cs) were investigated in invertebrates at two sites of moderately high and higher air radiation dose rates, 14 km and 11 km distances, respectively, from the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant (FDNPP) from 2013 to 2016. At a14-km point, the 134+137Cs concentrations of soils in coniferous and broadleaf forests increased from 2013 to 2014, and thereafter declined until 2016. The 134+137Cs concentrations of the phytophagous beetle Anomala cuprea (Hope) rapidly decreased by 76.1% from 2013 to 2014, reflecting reduction in those of broadleaves. The 134+137Cs concentration levels of the carnivorous beetle Dolichus halensis (Schaller) showed a relatively low levels. The 137Cs concentrations of the necrophagous beetle Eusilpha japonica (Motshulsky) and coprophagous beetle Onthophagus lenzii (Harold) remained constant without reduction from 2013 to 2016. Average 134+137Cs concentrations throughout four years were the highest in the geophagous crustacean (Armadillidium vulgare Latreille), followed by necrophagous beetle and coprophagus beetle. The 134+137Cs concentrations in earthworms with gut contents were significantly correlated with those in soils at each habitat from 2014 to 2015 at a14-km point, and the concentration levels at an 11-km point in 2015 were remarkably high (898 kBq kg-1). Transfer factors (TFs) in earthworms ranged from 1.02 to 2.66 at a 14-km point and 0.66 to 5.0 at an11-km point. The transfer and chronological changes of radiocesium in invertebrates were discussed in relation to food habits through trophic levels in woodlands and pasturelands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitsuhiro Iwasa
- Laboratory of Entomology, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido, 080-8555, Japan.
| | - Fumiya Nakaya
- Laboratory of Entomology, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido, 080-8555, Japan.
| | - Hideyuki Kabeya
- Laboratory of Entomology, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido, 080-8555, Japan.
| | - Kosuke Sato
- Laboratory of Entomology, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido, 080-8555, Japan.
| | - Shin-Ichiro Ishikawa
- Laboratory of Entomology, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido, 080-8555, Japan.
| | - Teppei Takahashi
- Laboratory of Entomology, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido, 080-8555, Japan.
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Observation of morphological abnormalities in silkworm pupae after feeding 137CsCl-supplemented diet to evaluate the effects of low dose-rate exposure. Sci Rep 2020; 10:16055. [PMID: 32994421 PMCID: PMC7524783 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-72882-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant (FDNPP) accident, morphological abnormalities in lepidopteran insects, such as shrinkage and/or aberration of wings, have been reported. Butterflies experimentally exposed to radiocesium also show such abnormalities. However, because of a lack of data on absorbed dose and dose–effect relationship, it is unclear whether these abnormalities are caused directly by radiation. We conducted a low dose-rate exposure experiment in silkworms reared from egg to fully developed larvae on a 137CsCl-supplemented artificial diet and estimated the absorbed dose to evaluate morphological abnormalities in pupal wings. We used 137CsCl at 1.3 × 103 Bq/g fresh weight to simulate 137Cs contamination around the FDNPP. Absorbed doses were estimated using a glass rod dosimeter and Monte Carlo particle transport simulation code PHITS. Average external absorbed doses were approximately 0.24 (on diet) and 0.016 mGy/day (near diet); the average internal absorbed dose was approximately 0.82 mGy/day. Pupal wing structure is sensitive to radiation exposure. However, no significant differences were observed in the wing-to-whole body ratio of pupae between the 137CsCl-exposure and control groups. These results suggest that silkworms are insensitive to low dose-rate exposure due to chronic ingestion of high 137Cs at a high concentration.
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Overwintering States of the Pale Grass Blue Butterfly Zizeeria maha (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) at the Time of the Fukushima Nuclear Accident in March 2011. INSECTS 2019; 10:insects10110389. [PMID: 31690046 PMCID: PMC6920751 DOI: 10.3390/insects10110389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Revised: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 11/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The Fukushima nuclear accident in March 2011 caused the massive release of anthropogenic radioactive materials from the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant to its surrounding environment. Its biological effects have been studied using the pale grass blue butterfly, Zizeeria maha (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae), but the overwintering states of this butterfly remain elusive. Here, we conducted a series of field surveys in March 2018, March 2019, and April 2019 in Fukushima and its vicinity to clarify the overwintering states of this butterfly at the time of the Fukushima nuclear accident. We discovered overwintering individuals in situ associated with the host plant Oxalis corniculata under natural straw mulch as first-instar to fourth-instar larvae in March 2018 and 2019. No other developmental stages were found. The body length and width were reasonably correlated with the accumulated temperature. On the basis of a linear regression equation between body size and accumulated temperature, together with other data, we deduced that the pale grass blue butterfly occurred as fourth-instar larvae in Fukushima and its vicinity at the time of the accident. This study paves the way for subsequent dosimetric analyses that determine the radiation doses absorbed by the butterfly after the accident.
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Gurung RD, Taira W, Sakauchi K, Iwata M, Hiyama A, Otaki JM. Tolerance of High Oral Doses of Nonradioactive and Radioactive Caesium Chloride in the Pale Grass Blue Butterfly Zizeeria maha. INSECTS 2019; 10:E290. [PMID: 31505757 PMCID: PMC6780287 DOI: 10.3390/insects10090290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2019] [Revised: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The biological effects of the Fukushima nuclear accident have been examined in the pale grass blue butterfly, Zizeeria maha (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae). In previous internal exposure experiments, larvae were given field-collected contaminated host plant leaves that contained up to 43.5 kBq/kg (leaf) of radioactive caesium. Larvae ingested up to 480 kBq/kg (larva), resulting in high mortality and abnormality rates. However, these results need to be compared with the toxicological data of caesium. Here, we examined the toxicity of both nonradioactive and radioactive caesium chloride on the pale grass blue butterfly. Larvae were fed a caesium-containing artificial diet, ingesting up to 149 MBq/kg (larva) of radioactive caesium (137Cs) or a much higher amount of nonradioactive caesium. We examined the pupation rate, eclosion rate, survival rate up to the adult stage, and the forewing size. In contrast to previous internal exposure experiments using field-collected contaminated leaves, we could not detect any effect. We conclude that the butterfly is tolerant to ionising radiation from 137Cs in the range tested but is vulnerable to radioactive contamination in the field. These results suggest that the biological effects in the field may be mediated through ecological systems and cannot be estimated solely based on radiation doses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raj D Gurung
- The BCPH Unit of Molecular Physiology, Department of Chemistry, Biology and Marine Science, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa 903-0213, Japan.
| | - Wataru Taira
- The BCPH Unit of Molecular Physiology, Department of Chemistry, Biology and Marine Science, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa 903-0213, Japan.
- Instrumental Research Center, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa 903-0213, Japan.
| | - Ko Sakauchi
- The BCPH Unit of Molecular Physiology, Department of Chemistry, Biology and Marine Science, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa 903-0213, Japan.
| | - Masaki Iwata
- The BCPH Unit of Molecular Physiology, Department of Chemistry, Biology and Marine Science, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa 903-0213, Japan.
- Department of International Agricultural Development, Faculty of International Agriculture and Food Studies, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Tokyo 156-8502, Japan.
| | - Atsuki Hiyama
- The BCPH Unit of Molecular Physiology, Department of Chemistry, Biology and Marine Science, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa 903-0213, Japan.
- Japan Butterfly Conservation Society, Tokyo 140-0014, Japan.
| | - Joji M Otaki
- The BCPH Unit of Molecular Physiology, Department of Chemistry, Biology and Marine Science, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa 903-0213, Japan.
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Developmental and hemocytological effects of ingesting Fukushima's radiocesium on the cabbage white butterfly Pieris rapae. Sci Rep 2019; 9:2625. [PMID: 30796244 PMCID: PMC6385249 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-37325-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 12/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
High morphological abnormality and mortality rates have been reported in the pale grass blue butterfly, Zizeeria maha, since the Fukushima nuclear accident. However, it remains uncertain if these effects are restricted to this butterfly. Here, we evaluated the effects of ingesting cabbage leaves grown with contaminated soils from Fukushima on the development and hemocytes of the cabbage white butterfly, Pieris rapae. Contaminated cabbage leaves containing various low levels of anthropogenic 134Cs and 137Cs radioactivity (less than natural 40K radioactivity) were fed to larvae from Okinawa, the least contaminated locality in Japan. Negative developmental and morphological effects were detected in the experimental groups. The cesium (but not potassium) radioactivity concentration was negatively correlated with the granulocyte percentage in hemolymph, and the granulocyte percentage was positively correlated with the pupal eclosion rate, the adult achievement rate, and the total normality rate. These results demonstrated that ingesting low-level radiocesium contaminants in Fukushima (but not natural radiopotassium) imposed biologically negative effects on the cabbage white butterfly, as in the pale grass blue butterfly, at both cellular and organismal levels.
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18
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Haematological analysis of Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata) in the area affected by the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident. Sci Rep 2018; 8:16748. [PMID: 30425289 PMCID: PMC6233195 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-35104-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2018] [Accepted: 10/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Several populations of wild Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata) inhabit the area around Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (FNPP). To measure and control the size of these populations, macaques are captured annually. Between May 2013 and December 2014, we performed a haematological analysis of Japanese macaques captured within a 40-km radius of FNPP, the location of a nuclear disaster two years post-accident. The dose-rate of radiocaesium was estimated using the ERICA Tool. The median internal dose-rate was 7.6 μGy/day (ranging from 1.8 to 219 μGy/day) and the external dose-rate was 13.9 μGy/day (ranging from 6.7 to 35.1 μGy/day). We performed multiple regression analyses to estimate the dose-rate effects on haematological values in peripheral blood and bone marrow. The white blood cell and platelet counts showed an inverse correlation with the internal dose-rate in mature macaques. Furthermore, the myeloid cell, megakaryocyte, and haematopoietic cell counts were inversely correlated and the occupancy of adipose tissue was positively correlated with internal dose-rate in femoral bone marrow of mature macaques. These relationships suggest that persistent whole body exposure to low-dose-rate radiation affects haematopoiesis in Japanese macaques.
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Giraudeau M, Bonzom JM, Ducatez S, Beaugelin-Seiller K, Deviche P, Lengagne T, Cavalie I, Camilleri V, Adam-Guillermin C, McGraw KJ. Carotenoid distribution in wild Japanese tree frogs (Hyla japonica) exposed to ionizing radiation in Fukushima. Sci Rep 2018; 8:7438. [PMID: 29743616 PMCID: PMC5943346 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-25495-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2017] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The nuclear accident in the Fukushima prefecture released a large amount of artificial radionuclides that might have short- and long-term biological effects on wildlife. Ionizing radiation can be a harmful source of reactive oxygen species, and previous studies have already shown reduced fitness effects in exposed animals in Chernobyl. Due to their potential health benefits, carotenoid pigments might be used by animals to limit detrimental effects of ionizing radiation exposure. Here, we examined concentrations of carotenoids in blood (i.e. a snapshot of levels in circulation), liver (endogenous carotenoid reserves), and the vocal sac skin (sexual signal) in relation to the total radiation dose rates absorbed by individual (TDR from 0.2 to 34 µGy/h) Japanese tree frogs (Hyla japonica). We found high within-site variability of TDRs, but no significant effects of the TDR on tissue carotenoid levels, suggesting that carotenoid distribution in amphibians might be less sensitive to ionizing radiation exposure than in other organisms or that the potential deleterious effects of radiation exposure might be less significant or more difficult to detect in Fukushima than in Chernobyl due to, among other things, differences in the abundance and mixture of each radionuclide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Giraudeau
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287-4501, USA.
- Centre for Ecology & Conservation, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Penryn, UK.
| | - Jean-Marc Bonzom
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), PSE-ENV/SRTE/LECO, Cadarache, 13115, Saint Paul Lez Durance, France.
| | - Simon Ducatez
- School of Biological Sciences A08, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Karine Beaugelin-Seiller
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), PSE-ENV/SRTE/LECO, Cadarache, 13115, Saint Paul Lez Durance, France
| | - Pierre Deviche
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287-4501, USA
| | - Thierry Lengagne
- Université de Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR 5023, Laboratoire d'Ecologie des Hydrosystèmes Naturels et Anthropisés, Bât. Darwin C, F-69622, Villeurbanne Cedex, France
| | - Isabelle Cavalie
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), PSE-ENV/SRTE/LECO, Cadarache, 13115, Saint Paul Lez Durance, France
| | - Virginie Camilleri
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), PSE-ENV/SRTE/LECO, Cadarache, 13115, Saint Paul Lez Durance, France
| | - Christelle Adam-Guillermin
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), PSE-ENV/SRTE/LECO, Cadarache, 13115, Saint Paul Lez Durance, France
| | - Kevin J McGraw
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287-4501, USA
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Otaki JM, Taira W. Current Status of the Blue Butterfly in Fukushima Research. J Hered 2018; 109:178-187. [PMID: 28431090 DOI: 10.1093/jhered/esx037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2016] [Accepted: 04/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Adverse biological impacts of the Fukushima nuclear accident have been revealed using the pale grass blue butterfly, Zizeeria maha, since 2012, which were often considered incompatible with the conventional understanding of radiation biology. This discrepancy likely originates from different system conditions and methodologies. In this article, we first respond to comments from the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR) regarding our study; "technical errors" in unit usage and mathematical models noted by UNSCEAR are not errors but reflect our research philosophy not to introduce theoretical assumptions associated with unit conversion and mathematical fit. Second, we review our recent studies to support the original 2012 conclusions. Because the high morphological abnormality rate and small body size detected in Fukushima in 2011 have already ceased, likely through adaptive evolution, their present geographical distributions were investigated throughout Japan. Local populations showing relatively high abnormality rates and small body sizes were rare and basically restricted to Miyagi and its northern populations excluding the Fukushima populations, supporting the causal involvement of the accident. Lastly, we stress the importance of understanding the whole picture of the biological impacts of the Fukushima accident. In addition to the direct radiation impacts, indirect impacts through unknown radiation-associated mechanisms, such as immunological responses to insoluble particulate matter and nutritional deficiencies in plants and animals, would be in effect. Further environmental studies beyond conventional radiation biology and physics are necessary to understand the complex responses of organisms, including humans, to the Fukushima nuclear accident.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joji M Otaki
- BCPH Unit of Molecular Physiology, Department of Chemistry, Biology and Marine Science, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Wataru Taira
- BCPH Unit of Molecular Physiology, Department of Chemistry, Biology and Marine Science, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan
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Akimoto SI, Li Y, Imanaka T, Sato H, Ishida K. Effects of Radiation From Contaminated Soil and Moss in Fukushima on Embryogenesis and Egg Hatching of the Aphid Prociphilus oriens. J Hered 2018; 109:199-205. [PMID: 28992200 DOI: 10.1093/jhered/esx072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2016] [Accepted: 09/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Radiation-contaminated soils are widespread around the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, and such soils raise concerns over its harmful effect on soil-dwelling organisms. We evaluated the effects of contaminated soil and moss sampled in Fukushima on the embryogenesis and hatching of aphid eggs, along with the measurement of the egg exposure dose. Cs-137 concentration in soil and moss from Fukushima ranged from 2200 to 3300 Bq/g and from 64 to 105 Bq/g, respectively. Eggs of the eriosomatine aphid Prociphilus oriens that were collected from a non-contaminated area were directly placed on the soil and moss for 4 or 3 months during diapause and then incubated until hatching. The total exposure dose to the eggs was estimated as ca. 100-200 mGy in the 4-month soil experiment and 4-10 mGy in the 4-month moss experiment. There was no significant difference in egg hatchability between the contaminated soil treatment and the control. No morphological abnormalities were detected in the first instars that hatched from the contaminated soil treatment. However, we found weak effects of radiation on egg hatching; eggs placed on the contaminated moss hatched earlier than did the control eggs. On the contaminated soil, the effects of radiation on egg hatching were not obvious because of uncontrolled environmental differences among containers. The effects of radiation on egg hatching were detected only in containers where high hatchability was recorded. Through the experiments, we concluded that the aphid eggs responded to ultra-low-dose radiation by advancing embryogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shin-Ichi Akimoto
- Systematic Entomology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Yang Li
- Systematic Entomology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | | | - Hitoshi Sato
- Department of Radiological Sciences, Ibaraki Prefectural University of Health Sciences, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Ken Ishida
- Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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22
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Nohara C, Hiyama A, Taira W, Otaki JM. Robustness and Radiation Resistance of the Pale Grass Blue Butterfly from Radioactively Contaminated Areas: A Possible Case of Adaptive Evolution. J Hered 2018; 109:188-198. [PMID: 28199653 DOI: 10.1093/jhered/esx012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2016] [Accepted: 02/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The pale grass blue butterfly, Zizeeria maha, has been used to evaluate biological impacts of the Fukushima nuclear accident in March 2011. Here, we examined the possibility that butterflies have adapted to be robust in the contaminated environment. Larvae (n = 2432) were obtained from adult butterflies (n = 20) collected from 7 localities with various contamination levels in May 2012, corresponding to the 7th generation after the accident. When the larvae were reared on non-contaminated host plant leaves from Okinawa, the normality rates of natural exposure without artificial irradiation (as an indication of robustness) were high not only in the least contaminated locality but also in the most contaminated localities. The normality rates were similarly obtained when the larvae were reared on non-contaminated leaves with external irradiation or on contaminated leaves from Fukushima to deliver internal irradiation. The normality rate of natural exposure and that of external or internal exposure were correlated, suggesting that radiation resistance (or susceptibility) likely reflects general state of health. The normality rate of external or internal exposure was divided by the relative normality rate of natural exposure, being defined as the resistance value. The resistance value was the highest in the populations of heavily contaminated localities and was inversely correlated with the distance from the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant. These results suggest that the butterfly population might have adapted to the contaminated environment within approximately 1 year after the accident. The present study may partly explain the decrease in mortality and abnormality rates later observed in the contaminated areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiyo Nohara
- BCPH Unit of Molecular Physiology, Department of Chemistry, Biology and Marine Science, Faculty of Science, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Atsuki Hiyama
- BCPH Unit of Molecular Physiology, Department of Chemistry, Biology and Marine Science, Faculty of Science, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Wataru Taira
- BCPH Unit of Molecular Physiology, Department of Chemistry, Biology and Marine Science, Faculty of Science, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Joji M Otaki
- BCPH Unit of Molecular Physiology, Department of Chemistry, Biology and Marine Science, Faculty of Science, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara, Okinawa, Japan
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Bong LJ, Neoh KB, Yoshimura T. Developmental Irregularity and Abnormal Elytra Formation in the Oriental Wood Borer Induced by Physical Disturbance. JOURNAL OF INSECT SCIENCE 2018; 18:12. [PMCID: PMC5806396 DOI: 10.1093/jisesa/iey001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2017] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Teratological deformity in arthropods may arise spontaneously or be induced by chemicals, mutagens, diseases, and physical disturbance. Coleopterans are known to be sensitive to physical disturbance, but detailed studies of how physical disturbance affects the juvenile development and causes deformities are limited. In this study, larval oriental wood borers Heterobostrychus aequalis (Waterhouse) in three weight categories (2 to <10 mg, 10 to <26 mg, and 26 to 36 mg) were used to examine the development of immature beetles when exposed to daily physical disturbance (i.e., handling). Morphological changes induced in the immature and adult stages were observed for disturbed individuals. Handled larvae were highly susceptible to physical disturbance, as none of them survived to the end of the experiment, regardless of their initial weight group. Unhandled larvae molted twice before turning into pupae, whereas handled larvae took longer to develop and underwent irregular molting. Handled larvae also exhibited various levels of morphological abnormality in the pupal stage; in particular, the elytra were deformed, the abdomen and head capsule were broader than normal. It is speculated that the irregularity and deformity observed in the handled larvae might be due to hormone alteration resulting from physical disturbance. In addition, the extensively exposed abdominal parts of deformed beetles might have increased the risk of dehydration and disease attack, which would have resulted in premature mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lee-Jin Bong
- Laboratory of Innovative Humano-habitability, Research Institute for Sustainable Humanosphere, Kyoto University, Gokasho, Uji, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kok-Boon Neoh
- Department of Entomology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Tsuyoshi Yoshimura
- Laboratory of Innovative Humano-habitability, Research Institute for Sustainable Humanosphere, Kyoto University, Gokasho, Uji, Kyoto, Japan
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Stark K, Goméz-Ros JM, Vives I Batlle J, Lindbo Hansen E, Beaugelin-Seiller K, Kapustka LA, Wood MD, Bradshaw C, Real A, McGuire C, Hinton TG. Dose assessment in environmental radiological protection: State of the art and perspectives. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2017; 175-176:105-114. [PMID: 28505478 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2017.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2016] [Revised: 04/09/2017] [Accepted: 05/01/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to radiation is a potential hazard to humans and the environment. The Fukushima accident reminded the world of the importance of a reliable risk management system that incorporates the dose received from radiation exposures. The dose to humans from exposure to radiation can be quantified using a well-defined system; its environmental equivalent, however, is still in a developmental state. Additionally, the results of several papers published over the last decade have been criticized because of poor dosimetry. Therefore, a workshop on environmental dosimetry was organized by the STAR (Strategy for Allied Radioecology) Network of Excellence to review the state of the art in environmental dosimetry and prioritize areas of methodological and guidance development. Herein, we report the key findings from that international workshop, summarise parameters that affect the dose animals and plants receive when exposed to radiation, and identify further research needs. Current dosimetry practices for determining environmental protection are based on simple screening dose assessments using knowledge of fundamental radiation physics, source-target geometry relationships, the influence of organism shape and size, and knowledge of how radionuclide distributions in the body and in the soil profile alter dose. In screening model calculations that estimate whole-body dose to biota the shapes of organisms are simply represented as ellipsoids, while recently developed complex voxel phantom models allow organ-specific dose estimates. We identified several research and guidance development priorities for dosimetry. For external exposures, the uncertainty in dose estimates due to spatially heterogeneous distributions of radionuclide contamination is currently being evaluated. Guidance is needed on the level of dosimetry that is required when screening benchmarks are exceeded and how to report exposure in dose-effect studies, including quantification of uncertainties. Further research is needed to establish whether and how dosimetry should account for differences in tissue physiology, organism life stages, seasonal variability (in ecology, physiology and radiation field), species life span, and the proportion of a population that is actually exposed. We contend that, although major advances have recently been made in environmental radiation protection, substantive improvements are required to reduce uncertainties and increase the reliability of environmental dosimetry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Stark
- Department of Ecology, Environment, and Plant Sciences, Stockholm University, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - José M Goméz-Ros
- Spanish Research Centre in Energy, Environment and Technology, CIEMAT, Avenida Complutense 40, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Jordi Vives I Batlle
- Biosphere Impact Studies Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre SCK•CEN, Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium
| | - Elisabeth Lindbo Hansen
- Norwegian Radiation Protection Authority, Department of Research, P.O. Box 55, NO-1332 Østerås, Norway; CERAD Centre of Excellence in Environmental Radioactivity, P.O. Box 5003, No-1432 Ås, Norway
| | - Karine Beaugelin-Seiller
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire, IRSN, PRP-ENV, SERIS, LRTE, Cadarache, 13115 Saint Paul Lez Durance Cedex, France
| | | | - Michael D Wood
- School of Environment and Life Sciences, University of Salford, Manchester M5 4WT, UK
| | - Clare Bradshaw
- Department of Ecology, Environment, and Plant Sciences, Stockholm University, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Almudena Real
- Spanish Research Centre in Energy, Environment and Technology, CIEMAT, Avenida Complutense 40, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Corynne McGuire
- Scottish Environment Protection Agency, Strathallan House, Castle Business Park, Stirling FK9 4TZ, UK
| | - Thomas G Hinton
- Institute of Environmental Radioactivity, Fukushima University, 1 Kanayagawa, Fukushima 960-1296, Japan
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Small head size and delayed body weight growth in wild Japanese monkey fetuses after the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster. Sci Rep 2017; 7:3528. [PMID: 28615678 PMCID: PMC5471234 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-03866-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2017] [Accepted: 05/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
To evaluate the biological effect of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster, relative differences in the growth of wild Japanese monkeys (Macaca fuscata) were measured before and after the disaster of 2011 in Fukushima City, which is approximately 70 km from the nuclear power plant, by performing external measurements on fetuses collected from 2008 to 2016. Comparing the relative growth of 31 fetuses conceived prior to the disaster and 31 fetuses conceived after the disaster in terms of body weight and head size (product of the occipital frontal diameter and biparietal diameter) to crown-rump length ratio revealed that body weight growth rate and proportional head size were significantly lower in fetuses conceived after the disaster. No significant difference was observed in nutritional indicators for the fetuses' mothers. Accordingly, radiation exposure could be one factor contributed to the observed growth delay in this study.
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Fuma S, Ihara S, Takahashi H, Inaba O, Sato Y, Kubota Y, Watanabe Y, Kawaguchi I, Aono T, Soeda H, Yoshida S. Radiocaesium contamination and dose rate estimation of terrestrial and freshwater wildlife in the exclusion zone of the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant accident. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2017; 171:176-188. [PMID: 28262604 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2017.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2016] [Revised: 12/07/2016] [Accepted: 02/15/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
To characterise the radioactive contamination of terrestrial and freshwater wildlife caused by the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant accident, biological samples, namely, fungi, mosses, plants, amphibians, reptiles, insects, molluscs, and earthworms, were collected mainly from the forests of the exclusion zone in the Fukushima Prefecture from 2011 to 2012. Caesium-134 and 137Cs were detected by gamma spectrometry in almost all the samples. Fungi, ferns, and mosses accumulated high amounts of radiocaesium, as they did in Chernobyl, with 134Cs + 137Cs activity concentrations of 104-106 Bq kg-1 fresh mass (FM). Earthworms, amphibians, and the soft tissue of the garden snail Acusta despecta sieboldiana, also had levels as high as 104-105 Bq kg-1 FM of 134Cs + 137Cs. Most of the estimated total (internal + external) dose rates to herbaceous plants, amphibians, insects, and earthworms were below the corresponding derived consideration reference levels (DCRLs) recommended by the ICRP. This suggests that, in most cases, there was little chance of deleterious effects of ionising radiation on these organisms in the exclusion zone for the first year after the accident, though the dose rates were underestimated mainly due to the lack of consideration of short-lived radionuclides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shoichi Fuma
- Fukushima Project Headquarters, National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology, 4-9-1 Anagawa, Inage-ku, Chiba, 263-8555, Japan.
| | - Sadao Ihara
- Hokkaido University of Education Kushiro Campus, 1-15-55 Shiroyama, Kushiro, Hokkaido, 085-8580, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Takahashi
- Tokyo Nuclear Services Co., Ltd., Sorimachi Building, 1-3-5 Taito, Taito-ku, Tokyo, 110-0016, Japan
| | - Osamu Inaba
- Minamisoma City Museum, 194 Deguchi, Gorai, Haramachi-ku, Minamisoma, Fukushima, 975-0051, Japan
| | | | - Yoshihisa Kubota
- Fukushima Project Headquarters, National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology, 4-9-1 Anagawa, Inage-ku, Chiba, 263-8555, Japan
| | - Yoshito Watanabe
- Fukushima Project Headquarters, National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology, 4-9-1 Anagawa, Inage-ku, Chiba, 263-8555, Japan
| | - Isao Kawaguchi
- Center for Radiation Protection Knowledge, National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology, 4-9-1 Anagawa, Inage-ku, Chiba, 263-8555, Japan
| | - Tatsuo Aono
- Fukushima Project Headquarters, National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology, 4-9-1 Anagawa, Inage-ku, Chiba, 263-8555, Japan
| | - Haruhi Soeda
- Fukushima Project Headquarters, National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology, 4-9-1 Anagawa, Inage-ku, Chiba, 263-8555, Japan
| | - Satoshi Yoshida
- Department of Management and Planning, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology, 4-9-1 Anagawa, Inage-ku, Chiba, 263-8555, Japan
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27
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Kawagoshi T, Shiomi N, Takahashi H, Watanabe Y, Fuma S, Doi K, Kawaguchi I, Aoki M, Kubota M, Furuhata Y, Shigemura Y, Mizoguchi M, Yamada F, Tomozawa M, Sakamoto SH, Yoshida S, Kubota Y. Chromosomal Aberrations in Large Japanese Field Mice (Apodemus speciosus) Captured near Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2017; 51:4632-4641. [PMID: 28363014 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.6b06210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Since the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant accident, radiation effects on nonhuman biota in the contaminated areas have been a major concern. Here, we analyzed the frequencies of chromosomal aberrations (translocations and dicentrics) in the splenic lymphocytes of large Japanese field mice (Apodemus speciosus) inhabiting Fukushima Prefecture. A. speciosus chromosomes 1, 2, and 5 were flow-sorted in order to develop A. speciosus chromosome-specific painting probes, and FISH (fluorescence in situ hybridization) was performed using these painting probes to detect the translocations and dicentrics. The average frequency of the translocations and dicentrics per cell in the heavily contaminated area was significantly higher than the frequencies in the case of the noncontaminated control area and the slightly and moderately contaminated areas, and this aberration frequency in individual mice tended to roughly increase with the estimated dose rates and accumulated doses. In all four sampling areas, the proportion of aberrations occurring in chromosome 2 was approximately >3 times higher than that in chromosomes 1 and 5, which suggests that A. speciosus chromosome 2 harbors a fragile site that is highly sensitive to chromosome breaks induced by cellular stress such as DNA replication. The elevated frequency of chromosomal aberrations in A. speciosus potentially resulting from the presence of a fragile site in chromosome 2 might make it challenging to observe the mild effect of chronic low-dose-rate irradiation on the induction of chromosomal aberrations in A. speciosus inhabiting the contaminated areas of Fukushima.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taiki Kawagoshi
- Fukushima Project Headquarters, National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institute for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology , 4-9-1 Anagawa, Inage-ku, Chiba 263-8555, Japan
| | - Naoko Shiomi
- Fukushima Project Headquarters, National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institute for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology , 4-9-1 Anagawa, Inage-ku, Chiba 263-8555, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Takahashi
- Tokyo Nuclear Services Co., Ltd. 1-3-5 Taito, Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-0016, Japan
| | - Yoshito Watanabe
- Fukushima Project Headquarters, National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institute for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology , 4-9-1 Anagawa, Inage-ku, Chiba 263-8555, Japan
| | - Shoichi Fuma
- Fukushima Project Headquarters, National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institute for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology , 4-9-1 Anagawa, Inage-ku, Chiba 263-8555, Japan
| | - Kazutaka Doi
- Fukushima Project Headquarters, National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institute for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology , 4-9-1 Anagawa, Inage-ku, Chiba 263-8555, Japan
| | - Isao Kawaguchi
- Center for Radiation Protection Knowledge, National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institute for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology , 4-9-1 Anagawa, Inage-ku, Chiba 263-8555, Japan
| | - Masanari Aoki
- Japan Wildlife Research Center, 3-3-7 Koutoubashi, Sumida-ku, Tokyo 130-8606, Japan
| | - Masahide Kubota
- Japan Wildlife Research Center, 3-3-7 Koutoubashi, Sumida-ku, Tokyo 130-8606, Japan
| | - Yoshiaki Furuhata
- Japan Wildlife Research Center, 3-3-7 Koutoubashi, Sumida-ku, Tokyo 130-8606, Japan
| | - Yusaku Shigemura
- Japan NUS Co., Ltd, 7-5-25 Nishi-shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan
| | - Masahiko Mizoguchi
- Japan NUS Co., Ltd, 7-5-25 Nishi-shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan
| | - Fumio Yamada
- Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute , 1 Matsunosato, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8687, Japan
| | - Morihiko Tomozawa
- Department of Biology, Keio University , 3-14-1 Hiyoshi, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama 223-8521, Japan
| | - Shinsuke H Sakamoto
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of Miyazaki , Kibana Campus, Miyazaki 889-2192, Japan
| | - Satoshi Yoshida
- Department of Management and Planning, National Institute for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology , 4-9-1 Anagawa, Inage-ku, Chiba 263-8555, Japan
| | - Yoshihisa Kubota
- Fukushima Project Headquarters, National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institute for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology , 4-9-1 Anagawa, Inage-ku, Chiba 263-8555, Japan
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28
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Strand P, Sundell-Bergman S, Brown JE, Dowdall M. On the divergences in assessment of environmental impacts from ionising radiation following the Fukushima accident. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2017; 169-170:159-173. [PMID: 28119209 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2016.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2016] [Revised: 12/16/2016] [Accepted: 12/16/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The accident at the Fukushima-Daiichi Nuclear Power Station on March 11, 2011, led to significant contamination of the surrounding terrestrial and marine environments. Whilst impacts on human health remain the primary concern in the aftermath of such an accident, recent years have seen a significant body of work conducted on the assessment of the accident's impacts on both the terrestrial and marine environment. Such assessments have been undertaken at various levels of biological organisation, for different species, using different methodologies and coming, in many cases, to divergent conclusions as to the effects of the accident on the environment. This article provides an overview of the work conducted in relation to the environmental impacts of the Fukushima accident, critically comparing and contrasting methodologies and results with a view towards finding reasons for discrepancies, should they indeed exist. Based on the outcomes of studies conducted to date, it would appear that in order to avoid the fractured and disparate conclusions drawn in the aftermath of previous accidents, radioactive contaminants and their effects can no longer simply be viewed in isolation with respect to the ecosystems these effects may impact. A combination of laboratory based and field studies with a focus on ecosystem functioning and effects could offer the best opportunities for coherence in the interpretation of the results of studies into the environmental impacts of ionising radiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Strand
- CERAD, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, 1430 Ås, Norway.
| | - S Sundell-Bergman
- Department of Soil and Environment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Box 7014, 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - J E Brown
- Norwegian Radiation Protection Authority, Grini næringspark 13, 1332 Østerås, Norway
| | - M Dowdall
- Norwegian Radiation Protection Authority, Grini næringspark 13, 1332 Østerås, Norway
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29
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Ishii Y, Hayashi S, Takamura N. Radiocesium Transfer in Forest Insect Communities after the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant Accident. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0171133. [PMID: 28125745 PMCID: PMC5268780 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0171133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2016] [Accepted: 01/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
To understand radiocesium transfer in the forest insect food web, we investigated the activity concentrations of radiocesium in forest insects in the Fukushima and Ibaraki Prefectures approximately 1.5–2.5 years after the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant. We analyzed 34 species of insects sampled from 4 orders and 4 feeding functional groups (herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, and detritivore) from three sites in each prefecture. 137Cs activity concentrations were lowest in herbivorous species and were especially high in detritivorous and omnivorous species that feed on forest litter and fungi. Radiocesium activity concentrations in any given species reflected the degree of contamination of that species’ primary food sources since radiocesium activity concentrations were found to be the lowest in leaves and grass and the highest in litter, bark, and fungi. This study confirmed that litter and other highly contaminated forest components such as fungi, decaying wood, bryophytes, and lichens serve as sources of 137Cs transfer into the forest insect community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumiko Ishii
- Environmental Impact Assessment Section, Fukushima Branch, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Miharu Town, Tamura County, Fukushima, Japan
- * E-mail:
| | - Seiji Hayashi
- Environmental Impact Assessment Section, Fukushima Branch, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Miharu Town, Tamura County, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Noriko Takamura
- Center for Environmental Biology and Ecosystem Studies, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
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30
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Tanaka S, Hatakeyama K, Takahashi S, Adati T. Radioactive contamination of arthropods from different trophic levels in hilly and mountainous areas after the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2016; 164:104-112. [PMID: 27447690 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2016.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2016] [Revised: 07/08/2016] [Accepted: 07/11/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
In order to understand the influence of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident on the ecosystem in hilly and mountainous areas of Fukushima Prefecture, chronological changes in the levels of radiocesium in arthropod species were investigated. From 2012 to 2014, arthropods from different trophic levels were sampled and the air radiation dose rates at the sampling sites were analyzed. The air radiation dose rates showed a significant and constant reduction over the 2 years at the sampling sites in Fukushima. The median radiocesium concentration (134Cs + 137Cs) detected in the rice grasshopper, Oxya yezoensis, and the Emma field cricket, Teleogryllus emma, dropped continuously to 0.080 and 0.078 Bq/g fresh weight, respectively, in 2014. In contrast, no significant reduction in radioactive contamination was observed in the Jorô spider, Nephila clavata, in which the level remained at 0.204 Bq/g in 2014. A significant positive correlation between radiocesium concentration and the air radiation dose rate was observed in the rice grasshopper, the Emma field cricket and the Jorô spider. The highest correlation coefficient (ρ = 0.946) was measured in the grasshopper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sota Tanaka
- Department of International Agricultural Development, Faculty of International Agriculture and Food Studies, Tokyo University of Agriculture, 1-1-1 Sakuragaoka, Setagaya, 156-8502 Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Kaho Hatakeyama
- Department of International Agricultural Development, Faculty of International Agriculture and Food Studies, Tokyo University of Agriculture, 1-1-1 Sakuragaoka, Setagaya, 156-8502 Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sentaro Takahashi
- Division of Radiation Safety and Control, Kyoto University Research Reactor Institute, Kumatori, Sennan, Osaka 590-0494, Japan
| | - Tarô Adati
- Department of International Agricultural Development, Faculty of International Agriculture and Food Studies, Tokyo University of Agriculture, 1-1-1 Sakuragaoka, Setagaya, 156-8502 Tokyo, Japan.
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31
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Otaki JM. Fukushima's lessons from the blue butterfly: A risk assessment of the human living environment in the post-Fukushima era. INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT 2016; 12:667-672. [PMID: 27640413 DOI: 10.1002/ieam.1828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2016] [Revised: 07/11/2016] [Accepted: 07/22/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
A series of studies on the pale grass blue butterfly that were carried out to assess the biological effects of the Fukushima nuclear accident teach 3 important lessons. First, it is necessary to have an environmental indicator species, such as the pale grass blue butterfly in Japan, that is common (not endangered), shares a living environment (air, water, and soil) with humans, and is amenable to laboratory experiments. The monitoring of such indicator species before and immediately after a nuclear accident likely reflects acute impacts caused by initial exposure. To assess transgenerational and chronic effects, continuous monitoring over time is encouraged. Second, it is important to understand the actual health status of a polluted region and comprehend the whole picture of the pollution impacts, rather than focusing on the selected effects of radiation alone. In our butterfly experiments, plant leaves from Fukushima were fed to larval butterflies to access whole-body effects, focusing on survival rate and morphological abnormalities (rather than focusing on a specific disease or biochemical marker). Our results revealed that ionizing radiation is unlikely to be the exclusive source of environmental disturbances. Airborne particulate matter from a nuclear reactor, regardless of its radioactivity, is likely equally important. Finally, our butterfly experiments demonstrate that there is considerable variation in sensitivities to nuclear pollution within a single species or even within a local population. Based on these results, it is speculated that high pollution sensitivity in humans may be caused not only by low levels of functional DNA repair enzymes but also by immunological responses to particulate matter in the respiratory tract. These lessons from the pale grass blue butterfly should be integrated in studying future nuclear pollution events and decision making on nuclear and environmental policies at the local and international levels in the postFukushima era. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2016;12:667-672. © 2016 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joji M Otaki
- BCPH Unit of Molecular Physiology, Department of Chemistry, Biology and Marine Science, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan.
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32
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Urushihara Y, Kawasumi K, Endo S, Tanaka K, Hirakawa Y, Hayashi G, Sekine T, Kino Y, Kuwahara Y, Suzuki M, Fukumoto M, Yamashiro H, Abe Y, Fukuda T, Shinoda H, Isogai E, Arai T, Fukumoto M. Analysis of Plasma Protein Concentrations and Enzyme Activities in Cattle within the Ex-Evacuation Zone of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Plant Accident. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0155069. [PMID: 27159386 PMCID: PMC4861266 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0155069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2015] [Accepted: 04/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The effect of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (FNPP) accident on humans and the environment is a global concern. We performed biochemical analyses of plasma from 49 Japanese Black cattle that were euthanized in the ex-evacuation zone set within a 20-km radius of FNPP. Among radionuclides attributable to the FNPP accident, germanium gamma-ray spectrometry detected photopeaks only from 134Cs and 137Cs (radiocesium) commonly in the organs and in soil examined. Radioactivity concentration of radiocesium was the highest in skeletal muscles. Assuming that the animal body was composed of only skeletal muscles, the median of internal dose rate from radiocesium was 12.5 μGy/day (ranging from 1.6 to 33.9 μGy/day). The median of external dose rate calculating from the place the cattle were caught was 18.8 μGy/day (6.0-133.4 μGy/day). The median of internal and external (total) dose rate of the individual cattle was 26.9 μGy/day (9.1-155.1 μGy/day). Plasma levels of malondialdehyde and superoxide dismutase activity were positively and glutathione peroxidase activity was negatively correlated with internal dose rate. Plasma alanine transaminase activity and percent activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)-2, LDH-3 and LDH-4 were positively and LDH-1 was negatively correlated with both internal and total dose rate. These suggest that chronic exposure to low-dose rate of ionizing radiation induces slight stress resulting in modified plasma protein and enzyme levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Urushihara
- Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
- Fukushima Project Headquarters, National Institute of Radiological Sciences, Chiba, Chiba, Japan
| | - Koh Kawasumi
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University, Musashino, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Satoru Endo
- Graduate School of Engineering, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Kenichi Tanaka
- Graduate School of Engineering, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Yasuko Hirakawa
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University, Musashino, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Gohei Hayashi
- Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Sekine
- Institute for Excellence in Higher Education, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Yasushi Kino
- Graduate School of Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Yoshikazu Kuwahara
- Faculty of Medicine, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Suzuki
- Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Motoi Fukumoto
- Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | | | - Yasuyuki Abe
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Tomokazu Fukuda
- Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Hisashi Shinoda
- Graduate School of Dentistry, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Emiko Isogai
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Toshiro Arai
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University, Musashino, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Manabu Fukumoto
- Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
- * E-mail:
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33
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Einor D, Bonisoli-Alquati A, Costantini D, Mousseau TA, Møller AP. Ionizing radiation, antioxidant response and oxidative damage: A meta-analysis. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2016; 548-549:463-471. [PMID: 26851726 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.01.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2015] [Revised: 01/06/2016] [Accepted: 01/06/2016] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
One mechanism proposed as a link between exposure to ionizing radiation and detrimental effects on organisms is oxidative damage. To test this hypothesis, we surveyed the scientific literature on the effects of chronic low-dose ionizing radiation (LDIR) on antioxidant responses and oxidative damage. We found 40 publications and 212 effect sizes for antioxidant responses and 288 effect sizes for effects of oxidative damage. We performed a meta-analysis of signed and unsigned effect sizes. We found large unsigned effects for both categories (0.918 for oxidative damage; 0.973 for antioxidant response). Mean signed effect size weighted by sample size was 0.276 for oxidative damage and -0.350 for antioxidant defenses, with significant heterogeneity among effects for both categories, implying that ionizing radiation caused small to intermediate increases in oxidative damage and small to intermediate decreases in antioxidant defenses. Our estimates are robust, as shown by very high fail-safe numbers. Species, biological matrix (tissue, blood, sperm) and age predicted the magnitude of effects for oxidative damage as well as antioxidant response. Meta-regression models showed that effect sizes for oxidative damage varied among species and age classes, while effect sizes for antioxidant responses varied among species and biological matrices. Our results are consistent with the description of mechanisms underlying pathological effects of chronic exposure to LDIR. Our results also highlight the importance of resistance to oxidative stress as one possible mechanism associated with variation in species responses to LDIR-contaminated areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Einor
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA.
| | - A Bonisoli-Alquati
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA; School of Renewable Natural Resources, Louisiana State University AgCenter, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA.
| | - D Costantini
- Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, B-2610, Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - T A Mousseau
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA; Faculty of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chubu University, Kasugai, Japan.
| | - A P Møller
- Laboratoire d'Ecologie, Systématique et Evolution, CNRS UMR 8079, Université Paris-Sud, Bâtiment 362, F-91405 Orsay Cedex, France.
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Taira W, Hiyama A, Nohara C, Sakauchi K, Otaki JM. Ingestional and transgenerational effects of the Fukushima nuclear accident on the pale grass blue butterfly. JOURNAL OF RADIATION RESEARCH 2015; 56 Suppl 1:i2-i18. [PMID: 26661851 PMCID: PMC4732531 DOI: 10.1093/jrr/rrv068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2015] [Revised: 08/14/2015] [Accepted: 10/04/2015] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
One important public concern in Japan is the potential health effects on animals and humans that live in the Tohoku-Kanto districts associated with the ingestion of foods contaminated with artificial radionuclides from the collapsed Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant. Additionally, transgenerational or heritable effects of radiation exposure are also important public concerns because these effects could cause long-term changes in animal and human populations. Here, we concisely review our findings and implications related to the ingestional and transgenerational effects of radiation exposure on the pale grass blue butterfly, Zizeeria maha, which coexists with humans. The butterfly larval ingestion of contaminated leaves found in areas of human habitation, even at low doses, resulted in morphological abnormalities and death for some individuals, whereas other individuals were not affected, at least morphologically. This variable sensitivity serves as a basis for the adaptive evolution of radiation resistance. The distribution of abnormality and mortality rates from low to high doses fits well with a Weibull function model or a power function model. The offspring generated by morphologically normal individuals that consumed contaminated leaves exhibited high mortality rates when fed contaminated leaves; importantly, low mortality rates were restored when they were fed non-contaminated leaves. Our field monitoring over 3 years (2011-2013) indicated that abnormality and mortality rates peaked primarily in the fall of 2011 and decreased afterwards to normal levels. These findings indicate high impacts of early exposure and transgenerationally accumulated radiation effects over a specific period; however, the population regained normality relatively quickly after ∼15 generations within 3 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wataru Taira
- The BCPH Unit of Molecular Physiology, Department of Chemistry, Biology and Marine Science, Faculty of Science, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara, Okinawa 903-0213, Japan
| | - Atsuki Hiyama
- The BCPH Unit of Molecular Physiology, Department of Chemistry, Biology and Marine Science, Faculty of Science, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara, Okinawa 903-0213, Japan
| | - Chiyo Nohara
- The BCPH Unit of Molecular Physiology, Department of Chemistry, Biology and Marine Science, Faculty of Science, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara, Okinawa 903-0213, Japan
| | - Ko Sakauchi
- The BCPH Unit of Molecular Physiology, Department of Chemistry, Biology and Marine Science, Faculty of Science, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara, Okinawa 903-0213, Japan
| | - Joji M Otaki
- The BCPH Unit of Molecular Physiology, Department of Chemistry, Biology and Marine Science, Faculty of Science, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara, Okinawa 903-0213, Japan
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Ayabe Y, Kanasashi T, Hijii N, Takenaka C. Relationship between radiocesium contamination and the contents of various elements in the web spider Nephila clavata (Nephilidae: Arachnida). JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2015; 150:228-235. [PMID: 26378957 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2015.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2015] [Revised: 09/01/2015] [Accepted: 09/01/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The accident at the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant seriously contaminated a large area in northeast Japan with a large amount of radioactive material. Consequently, various organisms, including arthropods, in the ecosystem have been contaminated with radiocesium ((137)Cs) through the food chain. We previously showed that the web spider Nephila clavata was contaminated with (137)Cs and that the level of contamination, which varied among spider individuals, was independent of the amount of prey consumed. The present study aimed to clarify the mechanisms that could determine the level of (137)Cs contamination in N. clavata. We first demonstrated the patterns of contents of over 30 elements in N. clavata that were collected at two forest sites (PS and ES) in Fukushima and then focused on the relationships between the contents of the alkali metals Li, Na, K, and Rb and the accumulation of (137)Cs in the spiders; Cs is an alkali metal and is expected to act similarly to Li, Na, K, and Rb. We also focused on the content of the non-alkali element, Cu, which is an essential element for oxygen transport in spiders. We found that Na content correlated positively with (137)Cs accumulation at both sites, which suggested that (137)Cs accumulation in N. clavata was related with the dynamics of Na. The K-, Rb-, and Cu-(137)Cs relationships were site specific; the relationships were significant at site PS, but not significant at site ES. Factors causing the site specific relationships and the probable pathway for (137)Cs transfer from soil to plants and then to higher trophic levels are discussed in terms of the transfer processes of the alkali metals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiko Ayabe
- Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan.
| | - Tsutomu Kanasashi
- Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan.
| | - Naoki Hijii
- Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan.
| | - Chisato Takenaka
- Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan.
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Ishida K, Tanoi K, Nakanishi TM. Monitoring free-living Japanese Bush Warblers (Cettia diphone) in a most highly radiocontaminated area of Fukushima Prefecture, Japan. JOURNAL OF RADIATION RESEARCH 2015; 56 Suppl 1:i24-28. [PMID: 26825298 PMCID: PMC4732538 DOI: 10.1093/jrr/rrv087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2015] [Revised: 10/27/2015] [Accepted: 10/27/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The Fukushima-Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (F1NPP) accident is an IAEA level 7 event, the same as that of Chernobyl, while the amount of radionuclides released is not comparable. Radioactivity attributed to the F1NPP accident was detected 250 km away from the F1NPP. Although we have not yet systematically studied the effect of radionuclides on the environment and wildlife, one of three Japanese Bush Warblers (Cettia diphone), captured in Akaugi district in August 2011, was observed to have a conspicuous lesion near the cloaca, which is rare in Japan. All of the birds' feathers were strongly contaminated. Further study is needed to determine the significance of this result. We emphasize the importance of continuing assessment of the effects of the F1NPP accident on wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken Ishida
- Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Yayoi 1-1-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Keitaro Tanoi
- Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Yayoi 1-1-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomoko M Nakanishi
- Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Yayoi 1-1-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
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Akimoto SI. Hereditary effects of radioactive fallout on gall-forming aphids and the subsequent recovery process near the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. JOURNAL OF RADIATION RESEARCH 2015; 56 Suppl 1:i62. [PMID: 26825301 PMCID: PMC4732539 DOI: 10.1093/jrr/rrv094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Shin-ichi Akimoto
- Department of Ecology and Systematics, Graduate School of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-8589, Japan
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38
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Morphological defects in native Japanese fir trees around the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. Sci Rep 2015; 5:13232. [PMID: 26314382 PMCID: PMC4551955 DOI: 10.1038/srep13232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2015] [Accepted: 07/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
After the accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (F1NPP) in March 2011, much attention has been paid to the biological consequences of the released radionuclides into the surrounding area. We investigated the morphological changes in Japanese fir, a Japanese endemic native conifer, at locations near the F1NPP. Japanese fir populations near the F1NPP showed a significantly increased number of morphological defects, involving deletions of leader shoots of the main axis, compared to a control population far from the F1NPP. The frequency of the defects corresponded to the radioactive contamination levels of the observation sites. A significant increase in deletions of the leader shoots became apparent in those that elongated after the spring of 2012, a year after the accident. These results suggest possibility that the contamination by radionuclides contributed to the morphological defects in Japanese fir trees in the area near the F1NPP.
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Fuma S, Ihara S, Kawaguchi I, Ishikawa T, Watanabe Y, Kubota Y, Sato Y, Takahashi H, Aono T, Ishii N, Soeda H, Matsui K, Une Y, Minamiya Y, Yoshida S. Dose rate estimation of the Tohoku hynobiid salamander, Hynobius lichenatus, in Fukushima. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2015; 143:123-134. [PMID: 25765872 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2015.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2014] [Revised: 02/15/2015] [Accepted: 02/16/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The radiological risks to the Tohoku hynobiid salamanders (class Amphibia), Hynobius lichenatus due to the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant accident were assessed in Fukushima Prefecture, including evacuation areas. Aquatic egg clutches (n = 1 for each sampling date and site; n = 4 in total), overwintering larvae (n = 1-5 for each sampling date and site; n = 17 in total), and terrestrial juveniles or adults (n = 1 or 3 for each sampling date and site; n = 12 in total) of H. lichenatus were collected from the end of April 2011 to April 2013. Environmental media such as litter (n = 1-5 for each sampling date and site; n = 30 in total), soil (n = 1-8 for each sampling date and site; n = 31 in total), water (n = 1 for each sampling date and site; n = 17 in total), and sediment (n = 1 for each sampling date and site; n = 17 in total) were also collected. Activity concentrations of (134)Cs + (137)Cs were 1.9-2800, 0.13-320, and 0.51-220 kBq (dry kg) (-1) in the litter, soil, and sediment samples, respectively, and were 0.31-220 and <0.29-40 kBq (wet kg)(-1) in the adult and larval salamanders, respectively. External and internal absorbed dose rates to H. lichenatus were calculated from these activity concentration data, using the ERICA Assessment Tool methodology. External dose rates were also measured in situ with glass dosimeters. There was agreement within a factor of 2 between the calculated and measured external dose rates. In the most severely contaminated habitat of this salamander, a northern part of Abukuma Mountains, the highest total dose rates were estimated to be 50 and 15 μGy h(-1) for the adults and overwintering larvae, respectively. Growth and survival of H. lichenatus was not affected at a dose rate of up to 490 μGy h(-1) in the previous laboratory chronic gamma-irradiation experiment, and thus growth and survival of this salamander would not be affected, even in the most severely contaminated habitat in Fukushima Prefecture. However, further studies of the adult salamanders may be required in order to examine whether the most severe radioactive contamination has any effects on sensitive endpoints, since the estimated highest dose rate to the adults exceeded some of the guidance dose rates proposed by various organisations and programmes for the protection of amphibians, which range from 4 to 400 μGy h(-1). Conversely, at one site in Nakadori, a moderately contaminated region in Fukushima Prefecture, the dose rate to the adult salamanders in spring of 2012 was estimated to be 0.2 μGy h(-1). Estimated dose rates to the overwintering larvae in spring of 2012 were 1 and 0.2 μGy h(-1) at one site in Nakadori, and in Aizu, a less contaminated region in Fukushima Prefecture, respectively. These results suggest that there is a low risk that H. lichenatus will be affected by radioactive contamination in these districts, though further studies on dose rate estimation are required for definitive risk characterisation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shoichi Fuma
- Project for Environmental Dynamics and Radiation Effects, Fukushima Project Headquarters, National Institute of Radiological Sciences, 4-9-1 Anagawa, Inage-ku, Chiba 263-8555, Japan.
| | - Sadao Ihara
- Hokkaido University of Education Kushiro Campus, 1-15-55 Shiroyama, Kushiro, Hokkaido 085-8580, Japan
| | - Isao Kawaguchi
- Project for Environmental Dynamics and Radiation Effects, Fukushima Project Headquarters, National Institute of Radiological Sciences, 4-9-1 Anagawa, Inage-ku, Chiba 263-8555, Japan
| | - Takahiro Ishikawa
- Department of Technical Support and Development, Research, Development and Support Centre, National Institute of Radiological Sciences, 4-9-1 Anagawa, Inage-ku, Chiba 263-8555, Japan
| | - Yoshito Watanabe
- Project for Environmental Dynamics and Radiation Effects, Fukushima Project Headquarters, National Institute of Radiological Sciences, 4-9-1 Anagawa, Inage-ku, Chiba 263-8555, Japan
| | - Yoshihisa Kubota
- Project for Environmental Dynamics and Radiation Effects, Fukushima Project Headquarters, National Institute of Radiological Sciences, 4-9-1 Anagawa, Inage-ku, Chiba 263-8555, Japan
| | | | - Hiroyuki Takahashi
- Tokyo Nuclear Services Co., Ltd., Sorimachi Building, 1-3-5 Taito, Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-0016, Japan
| | - Tatsuo Aono
- Project for Environmental Dynamics and Radiation Effects, Fukushima Project Headquarters, National Institute of Radiological Sciences, 4-9-1 Anagawa, Inage-ku, Chiba 263-8555, Japan
| | - Nobuyoshi Ishii
- Office of Biospheric Assessment for Waste Disposal, Research Centre for Radiation Protection, National Institute of Radiological Sciences, 4-9-1 Anagawa, Inage-ku, Chiba 263-8555, Japan
| | - Haruhi Soeda
- Project for Environmental Dynamics and Radiation Effects, Fukushima Project Headquarters, National Institute of Radiological Sciences, 4-9-1 Anagawa, Inage-ku, Chiba 263-8555, Japan
| | - Kumi Matsui
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology 1, School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, 1-17-71 Fuchinobe, Chuo-ku, Sagamihara, Kanagawa 252-5201, Japan
| | - Yumi Une
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, 1-17-71 Fuchinobe, Chuo-ku, Sagamihara, Kanagawa 252-5201, Japan
| | - Yukio Minamiya
- Graduate School of Environment and Information Science, Yokohama National University, Tokiwadai 79-7, Hodogaya, Yokohama, Kanagawa 240-8501, Japan
| | - Satoshi Yoshida
- Project for Environmental Dynamics and Radiation Effects, Fukushima Project Headquarters, National Institute of Radiological Sciences, 4-9-1 Anagawa, Inage-ku, Chiba 263-8555, Japan
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40
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Assessment of radiocesium contamination in frogs 18 months after the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster. Sci Rep 2015; 5:9712. [PMID: 25857262 PMCID: PMC4392359 DOI: 10.1038/srep09712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2014] [Accepted: 03/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigated the accumulation of radionuclides in frogs inhabiting radioactively contaminated areas around Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (FDNPP) to search for possible adverse effects due to radionuclides. We collected 5 frog species and soil samples in areas within and outside a 20-km radius from FDNPP in August and September 2012 and determined their radiocesium concentrations ((134)Cs and (137)Cs). There was a positive correlation between radiocesium concentrations in the soil samples and frogs, and the highest concentration in frogs was 47,278.53 Bq/kg-wet. Although we conducted a histological examination of frog ovaries and testes by light microscopy to detect possible effects of radionuclides on the morphology of germ cells, there were no clear abnormalities in the gonadal tissues of frogs collected from sites with different contamination levels.
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Hiyama A, Taira W, Nohara C, Iwasaki M, Kinjo S, Iwata M, Otaki JM. Spatiotemporal abnormality dynamics of the pale grass blue butterfly: three years of monitoring (2011-2013) after the Fukushima nuclear accident. BMC Evol Biol 2015; 15:15. [PMID: 25888050 PMCID: PMC4335452 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-015-0297-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2014] [Accepted: 01/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Long-term monitoring of the biological impacts of the radioactive pollution caused by the Fukushima nuclear accident in March 2011 is required to understand what has occurred in organisms living in the polluted areas. Here, we investigated spatial and temporal changes of the abnormality rate (AR) in both field-caught adult populations and laboratory-reared offspring populations of the pale grass blue butterfly, Zizeeria maha, which has generation time of approximately one month. We monitored 7 localities (Fukushima, Motomiya, Hirono, Iwaki, Takahagi, Mito, and Tsukuba) every spring and fall over 3 years (2011–2013). Results The adult ARs of these localities quickly increased and peaked in the fall of 2011, which was not observed in non-contaminated localities. In the offspring generation, the total ARs, which include deaths at the larval, prepupal, and pupal stages and morphological abnormalities at the adult stage, peaked either in the fall of 2011 or in the spring of 2012, with much higher levels than those of the parent field populations, suggesting that high incidence of deaths and abnormalities might have occurred in the field populations. Importantly, the elevated ARs of the field and offspring populations settled back to a normal level by the fall of 2012 and by the spring of 2013, respectively. Similar results were obtained not only in the spatiotemporal dynamics of the number of individuals caught per minute but also in the temporal dynamics of the correlation coefficient between the adult abnormality rate and the ground radiation dose or the distance from the Power Plant. Conclusions These results demonstrated an occurrence and an accumulation of adverse physiological and genetic effects in early generations, followed by their decrease and leveling off at a normal level, providing the most comprehensive record of biological dynamics after a nuclear accident available today. This study also indicates the importance of considering generation time and adaptive evolution in evaluating the biological impacts of artificial pollution in wild organisms. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12862-015-0297-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsuki Hiyama
- The BCPH Unit of Molecular Physiology, Department of Chemistry, Biology and Marine Science, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, 903-0213, Japan.
| | - Wataru Taira
- The BCPH Unit of Molecular Physiology, Department of Chemistry, Biology and Marine Science, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, 903-0213, Japan.
| | - Chiyo Nohara
- The BCPH Unit of Molecular Physiology, Department of Chemistry, Biology and Marine Science, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, 903-0213, Japan.
| | - Mayo Iwasaki
- The BCPH Unit of Molecular Physiology, Department of Chemistry, Biology and Marine Science, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, 903-0213, Japan.
| | - Seira Kinjo
- The BCPH Unit of Molecular Physiology, Department of Chemistry, Biology and Marine Science, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, 903-0213, Japan.
| | - Masaki Iwata
- The BCPH Unit of Molecular Physiology, Department of Chemistry, Biology and Marine Science, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, 903-0213, Japan.
| | - Joji M Otaki
- The BCPH Unit of Molecular Physiology, Department of Chemistry, Biology and Marine Science, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, 903-0213, Japan.
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Mangano J, Sherman JD. Changes in Congenital Anomaly Incidence in West Coast and Pacific States (USA) after Arrival of Fukushima Fallout. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015. [DOI: 10.4236/ojped.2015.51013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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43
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Monitoring Radiocesium Contamination of the Web Spider Nephila clavata (Nephilidae: Arachnida) in Fukushima Forests. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015. [DOI: 10.4005/jjfs.97.70] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Nohara C, Taira W, Hiyama A, Tanahara A, Takatsuji T, Otaki JM. Ingestion of radioactively contaminated diets for two generations in the pale grass blue butterfly. BMC Evol Biol 2014; 14:193. [PMID: 25330067 PMCID: PMC4171559 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-014-0193-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2014] [Accepted: 08/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The release of radioactive materials due to the Fukushima nuclear accident has raised concern regarding the biological impacts of ingesting radioactively contaminated diets on organisms. We previously performed an internal exposure experiment in which contaminated leaves collected from polluted areas were fed to larvae of the pale grass blue butterfly, Zizeeria maha, from Okinawa, which is one of the least polluted localities in Japan. Using the same experimental system, in the present study, we further examined the effects of low-level-contaminated diets on this butterfly. Leaves were collected from two localities in Tohoku (Motomiya (161 Bq/kg) and Koriyama (117 Bq/kg)); two in Kanto (Kashiwa (47.6 Bq/kg) and Musashino (6.4 Bq/kg)); one in Tokai (Atami (2.5 Bq/kg)); and from Okinawa (0.2 Bq/kg). In addition to the effects on the first generation, we examined the possible transgenerational effects of the diets on the next generation. Results In the first generation, the Tohoku groups showed higher rates of mortality and abnormalities and a smaller forewing size than the Okinawa group. The mortality rates were largely dependent on the ingested dose of caesium. The survival rates of the Kanto-Tokai groups were greater than 80%, but the rates in the Tohoku groups were much lower. In the next generation, the survival rates in the Tohoku groups were below 20%, whereas those of the Okinawa groups were above 70%. The survival rates in the second generation were independent of the locality of the leaves ingested by the first generation, indicating that the diet in the second generation was the determinant of their survival. Moreover, a smaller forewing size was observed in the Tohoku groups in the second generation. However, the forewing size was inversely correlated with the cumulative caesium dose ingested throughout the first and second generations, indicating that the diet in the first generation also influenced the forewing size of the second generation. Conclusions Biological effects are detectable under a low ingested dose of radioactivity from a contaminated diet. The effects are transgenerational but can be overcome by ingesting a non-contaminated diet, suggesting that at least some of the observed effects are attributable to non-genetic physiological changes.
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Nohara C, Hiyama A, Taira W, Tanahara A, Otaki JM. The biological impacts of ingested radioactive materials on the pale grass blue butterfly. Sci Rep 2014; 4:4946. [PMID: 24844938 PMCID: PMC4027884 DOI: 10.1038/srep04946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2014] [Accepted: 04/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
A massive amount of radioactive materials has been released into the environment by the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant accident, but its biological impacts have rarely been examined. Here, we have quantitatively evaluated the relationship between the dose of ingested radioactive cesium and mortality and abnormality rates using the pale grass blue butterfly, Zizeeria maha. When larvae from Okinawa, which is likely the least polluted locality in Japan, were fed leaves collected from polluted localities, mortality and abnormality rates increased sharply at low doses in response to the ingested cesium dose. This dose-response relationship was best fitted by power function models, which indicated that the half lethal and abnormal doses were 1.9 and 0.76 Bq per larva, corresponding to 54,000 and 22,000 Bq per kilogram body weight, respectively. Both the retention of radioactive cesium in a pupa relative to the ingested dose throughout the larval stage and the accumulation of radioactive cesium in a pupa relative to the activity concentration in a diet were highest at the lowest level of cesium ingested. We conclude that the risk of ingesting a polluted diet is realistic, at least for this butterfly, and likely for certain other organisms living in the polluted area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiyo Nohara
- The BCPH Unit of Molecular Physiology, Department of Chemistry, Biology and Marine Science, Faculty of Science
| | - Atsuki Hiyama
- The BCPH Unit of Molecular Physiology, Department of Chemistry, Biology and Marine Science, Faculty of Science
| | - Wataru Taira
- The BCPH Unit of Molecular Physiology, Department of Chemistry, Biology and Marine Science, Faculty of Science
| | - Akira Tanahara
- Instrumental Research Center, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa 903-0213, Japan
| | - Joji M. Otaki
- The BCPH Unit of Molecular Physiology, Department of Chemistry, Biology and Marine Science, Faculty of Science
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