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Misdaq MA, Chaouqi A. Study of the transfer of 238U, 232Th and 222Rn radionuclides from soil to cereal plants and root vegetables in a semi-arid area: Resulting radiation doses to rural consumers. Appl Radiat Isot 2023; 201:111015. [PMID: 37722318 DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2023.111015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2023] [Revised: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
Cereals and vegetables, widely consumed by Moroccan rural populations, are locally produced without using fertilizers. To explore the exposure pathway of 238U, 232Th, and 222Rn to the human body, we measured the contents of these radionuclides in various compartments of cereal plants and root vegetables. Contents of these radionuclides were also measured in the soils in which the cereal plants and root vegetables were grown in a semi-arid area. These measurements were completed by an investigation of the 238U, and 232Th transfers between cereal plants and root vegetables and their corresponding soils. Committed effective doses to different age groups of consumers due to 238U, 232Th and 222Rn from the ingestion of cereals and root vegetables studied were evaluated. The maximum total committed effective dose due to 238U, 232Th and 222Rn from the ingestion of the considered grain cereals and root vegetables by adult members of a rural population was found to be equal to 11.7 μ Sv y-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Misdaq
- Nuclear Physics and Techniques Laboratory, Department of Physics, Faculty of Sciences, Semlalia B.P. 2390, University of Cadi Ayyad, Marrakech, Morocco.
| | - A Chaouqi
- Nuclear Physics and Techniques Laboratory, Department of Physics, Faculty of Sciences, Semlalia B.P. 2390, University of Cadi Ayyad, Marrakech, Morocco
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2
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Suárez-Navarro JA, Gil-Pacheco E, Expósito-Suárez VM, Gómez-Mancebo MB, Vicente-Prieto N, García-Gómez H, Suárez-Navarro MJ, Sánchez-González SM, Caro A, Hernáiz G, Barragán M, Cid-Morillo C. Influence of soil chemical composition on U, 226Ra and 210Pb uptake in leaves and fruits of Quercus ilex L. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2023; 264:107187. [PMID: 37186982 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2023.107187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
To determine their transfer factors, activity concentrations of natural radionuclides were measured in the leaves and acorns of holm oak (Quercus ilex L.) trees collected from seven locations with different soil properties and radionuclide activity concentrations. The chemical and mineralogical compositions of the soils were also analysed to investigate the effect these had on radionuclide absorption by the trees. Soil chemistry showed significant effects on radionuclide incorporation into Quercus ilex L. tissues. A significant relationship was established between activity concentrations and soil content of Ca and P with 238U and 226Ra in the leaves and acorns of Quercus ilex L. Differentiated transfer was found for 40K, which showed greater transfer to the leaves than the other radionuclides. The activity concentration of U and 226Ra was higher in the fruits than in the leaves, with the opposite effect being observed for 40K. The risk of U and 226Ra transfer into the food chain through acorn consumption by livestock is predicted to increase in soils poor in Ca and rich in P.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Suárez-Navarro
- Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT), Avd/Complutense, 40, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
| | - E Gil-Pacheco
- Instituto de Recursos Naturales y Agrobiología de Salamanca (IRNASA-CSIC), CSIC, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, C/Cordel de Merinas, 40, 37008, Salamanca, Spain
| | - V M Expósito-Suárez
- Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT), Avd/Complutense, 40, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - M B Gómez-Mancebo
- Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT), Avd/Complutense, 40, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - H García-Gómez
- Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT), Avd/Complutense, 40, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - M J Suárez-Navarro
- Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM), Departamento de Hidráulica, Energía y Medioambiente, E.T.S.I. Caminos, Canales y Puertos, Profesor Aranguren s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - S M Sánchez-González
- Universidad Europea Miguel de Cervantes, C/Padre Julio Chevalier, 2, 47012, Valladolid, Spain
| | - A Caro
- Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT), Avd/Complutense, 40, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - G Hernáiz
- Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT), Avd/Complutense, 40, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - M Barragán
- Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT), Avd/Complutense, 40, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - C Cid-Morillo
- Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT), Avd/Complutense, 40, 28040, Madrid, Spain
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3
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Analysis of 238U, 226Ra, and 210Pb transfer factors from soil to the leaves of broadleaf tree species. NUCLEAR TECHNOLOGY AND RADIATION PROTECTION 2022. [DOI: 10.2298/ntrp2203219v] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
This analysis of 238U, 226Ra and 210Pb transfer factors from the soil to the
leaves of different native broadleaf trees at sites previously modified by
uranium presence and at the site of background radioactivity levels, was
conducted using data from a few available studies from the literature. The
broadleaf tree species Quercus ilex, Quercus suber, Eucalyptus camaldulensis,
Quercus pyrenaica, Quercus ilex rotundifolia, Populus sp. and Eucalyptus
botryoides Sm. at the affected sites and Tilia spp. and Aesculus
hippocastanum L. at the back ground site were in cluded in the study
regardless of the deciduous or evergreen origins of the leaves. In the papers
cited here, data about basic soil parameters: pH, total Ca [gkg-1], sand [%],
and silt + clay [%] fractions were also available. All the collected data of
activity concentration [Bqkg-1] dry weight in the soil (n=14) which was in
the range: 22-6606 for 238U, 38-7700 for 226Ra, and 37-7500 for 210Pb, and
the tree leaves in the range: 2.7-137.6 for 238U (n=10), 2.6-134.2 for 226Ra
(n=14), and 27-77.2 for 210Pb (n=14), indicated that it was normally
distributed after log-transformation. The present study was conducted under
the hypothesis that biological differences between the examined broadleaf
tree species have a lesser influence on the transfer factors of the
investigated radionuclides from soil to tree leaves compared to the impact of
the soil parameters and radionuclides activity concentrations in the soil.
Consequently, it was examined whether 238U, 226Ra, and 210Pb soil-to-leaves
transfer factor values for average broadleaf species could be predicted
statistically in the first approximation based on their activity
concentration in the soil and at least one basic soil parameter using
multiple linear regression.
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Rea MAD, Johansen MP, Payne TE, Hirth G, Hondros J, Pandelus S, Tucker W, Duff T, Stopic A, Green L, Pring A, Lenehan CE, Popelka-Filcoff RS. Radionuclides and stable elements in vegetation in Australian arid environments: Concentration ratios and seasonal variation. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2021; 234:106627. [PMID: 33964669 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2021.106627] [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: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Data on the uptake of elements and radionuclides by flora from soils in arid environments are underrepresented in international databases, especially when comparing across seasons. This study improved the understanding on the uptake of natural uranium-series radionuclides, as well as more than 30 elements, in a range of Australian native flora species that are internationally representative of an arid/semi-arid zone (e.g. Acacia, Astrebla, Atriplex, and Dodonea). Results indicate that the soil-to-plant uptake ratios were generally higher when compared with international data for grasses and shrubs from more temperate environments. The majority of the elemental concentrations in grasses were higher in winter than in summer and the opposite trend was found in shrubs, which suggests that the season of collection potentially introduces variability in the reported concentration ratios. The data also suggest that grasses, being dominant and widespread species in arid zones, may be effective as a reference organism to ensure comparative assessment across sites of interest. The results of this study will improve the confidence of environmental assessments in arid zones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Angelica D Rea
- Flinders University, College of Science and Engineering, Adelaide, SA, 5001, Australia.
| | - Mathew P Johansen
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Lucas Heights, NSW, 2234, Australia.
| | - Timothy E Payne
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Lucas Heights, NSW, 2234, Australia.
| | - Gillian Hirth
- Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA), 619 Lower Plenty Road, Yallambie, VIC, 3085, Australia.
| | - Jim Hondros
- JRHC Enterprises Pty. Ltd., Stirling, SA, 5152, Australia.
| | - Samantha Pandelus
- Flinders University, College of Science and Engineering, Adelaide, SA, 5001, Australia.
| | - William Tucker
- Flinders University, College of Science and Engineering, Adelaide, SA, 5001, Australia
| | - Tim Duff
- National Energy Resources Australia, Kensington, WA, 6151, Australia.
| | - Attila Stopic
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Lucas Heights, NSW, 2234, Australia.
| | - Liesel Green
- Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA), 619 Lower Plenty Road, Yallambie, VIC, 3085, Australia.
| | - Allan Pring
- Flinders University, College of Science and Engineering, Adelaide, SA, 5001, Australia.
| | - Claire E Lenehan
- Flinders University, College of Science and Engineering, Adelaide, SA, 5001, Australia.
| | - Rachel S Popelka-Filcoff
- Flinders University, College of Science and Engineering, Adelaide, SA, 5001, Australia; University of Melbourne, School of Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia.
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Girault F, Perrier F, Ourcival JM, Ferry R, Gaudemer Y, Bourges F, Didon-Lescot JF. Substratum influences uptake of radium-226 by plants. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 766:142655. [PMID: 33153746 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.142655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2020] [Revised: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Radium-226, an alpha emitter with half-life 1600 years, is ubiquitous in natural environments. Present in rocks and soils, it is also absorbed by vegetation. The efficiency of 226Ra uptake by plants from the soil is important to assess for the study of heavy metals uptake by plants, monitoring of radioactive pollution, and the biogeochemical cycle of radium in the Critical Zone. Using a thoroughly validated measurement method of effective 226Ra concentration (ECRa) in the laboratory, we compare ECRa values of the plant to that of the closest soil, and we infer the 226Ra soil-to-plant transfer ratio, RSP, for a total of 108 plant samples collected in various locations in France. ECRa values of plants range over five orders of magnitude with mean (min-max) of 1.66 ± 0.03 (0.020-113) Bq kg-1. Inferred RSP values range over four orders of magnitude with mean (min-max) of 0.0188 ± 0.0004 (0.00069-0.37). The mean RSP value of plants in granitic and metamorphic context (0.073 ± 0.002; n = 50) is significantly higher (12 ± 1 times) than that of plants in calcareous and sedimentary context (0.0058 ± 0.0002; n = 58). This difference, which cannot be attributed to a systematic difference in emanation coefficient, is likely due to the competition between calcium and radium. In a given substratum context, the compartments of a given plant species show coherent and decreasing RSP values in the following order (acropetal gradient): roots > bark > branches and stems ≈ leaves. Oak trees (Quercus genus) concentrate 226Ra more than other trees and plants in this set. While this study clearly demonstrates the influence of substratum on the 226Ra uptake by plants in non-contaminated areas, our measurement method appears as a promising practical tool to use for (phyto)remediation and its monitoring in uranium- and radium-contaminated areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frédéric Girault
- Université de Paris, Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris, CNRS, F-75005 Paris, France.
| | - Frédéric Perrier
- Université de Paris, Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris, CNRS, F-75005 Paris, France
| | - Jean-Marc Ourcival
- CEFE, Université Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE, IRD, Université Paul Valéry Montpellier 3, F-34000, Montpellier, France
| | - Roxane Ferry
- Université de Paris, Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris, CNRS, F-75005 Paris, France
| | - Yves Gaudemer
- Université de Paris, Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris, CNRS, F-75005 Paris, France
| | - François Bourges
- Géologie Environnement Conseil, 30 rue de la République, F-09200 Saint-Girons, France
| | - Jean-François Didon-Lescot
- Station de Recherches INRA/CNRS laboratoire ESPACE, 390 chemin des Boissières, F-30380 Saint Christol-lès-Alès, France
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Gil-Pacheco E, Suárez-Navarro JA, Fernández-Salegui AB, Sánchez-González SM, Suarez-Navarro MJ, García-Sánchez A. Factors that influence the absorption of uranium by indigenous plants on the spoil tip of an abandoned mine in western Spain. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 759:143571. [PMID: 33248777 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.143571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2020] [Revised: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this work was to study the factors affecting the absorption of U by plants growing on the spoil tip of an abandoned mine in western Spain. The plant species were selected based on how palatable they were to livestock and were sampled for four consecutive years during which, we also recorded rainfall data. The factors related to the plants studied were the leaf size and the percentage and characteristics of the arbuscular mycorrhizae (AM) fungi present in their roots. Our results showed a correlation between the annual rainfall and the U concentration in the plants. The percentage of mycorrhization and AM vesicles is a predominant factor in the uptake of U by plants. Spergularia rubra (L.) J.Presl & C.Presl, which is resistant to mycorrhization, contained higher U concentrations relative to the plants that grew with AM mycorrhization. The absorption curves of the different plants studied indicated that these plants were tolerant to 238U from 875 Bq kg-1 (70 mg kg-1), with a hormesis effect below that concentration. The annual U removal was 0.068%, suggesting that AM are responsible for limiting the incorporation of U into the food chain, favouring its retention in the soil and preventing its dispersion.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Gil-Pacheco
- Instituto de Recursos Naturales y Agrobiología de Salamanca (IRNASA-CSIC), CSIC, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, C/Cordel de Merinas, 40, 37008 Salamanca, Spain
| | - J A Suárez-Navarro
- Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT), Avd/Complutense, 40, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
| | - A B Fernández-Salegui
- Universidad de León, Departamento de Biodiversidad y Gestión Ambiental área de Botánica, Campus de Vegazana, 24071 León, Spain
| | - S M Sánchez-González
- Universidad Europea Miguel de Cervantes, C/Padre Julio Chevalier, 2., 47012 Valladolid, Spain
| | - M J Suarez-Navarro
- Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM), Departamento de Hidráulica, Energía y Medioambiente, E.T.S.I. Caminos, Canales y Puertos, Profesor Aranguren s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - A García-Sánchez
- Instituto de Recursos Naturales y Agrobiología de Salamanca (IRNASA-CSIC), CSIC, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, C/Cordel de Merinas, 40, 37008 Salamanca, Spain
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Yussuf NM, Saeed MA, Wagiran H, Hossain I. Soil-to-Plant Transfers Factor of Natural Radionuclides in Groundnut Crops Grown on Soils with Different Levels of Background Radioactivity. PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES INDIA SECTION A-PHYSICAL SCIENCES 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s40010-018-0580-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Madruga MJ, Miró C, Reis M, Silva L. RADIATION EXPOSURE FROM NATURAL RADIONUCLIDES IN BUILDING MATERIALS. RADIATION PROTECTION DOSIMETRY 2019; 185:49-57. [PMID: 30544172 DOI: 10.1093/rpd/ncy256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2018] [Revised: 08/01/2018] [Accepted: 11/26/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Building materials from Iberian Peninsula (Portugal and Spain) were collected and analysed for 226Ra, 232Th and 40K using HPGe gamma-ray spectrometers. The results show that the highest mean value of 226Ra and 232Th activities are 2168 and 390 Bq kg-1, respectively, measured in zircon. For 40K, this value is 1290 Bq kg-1, measured in granite. The mean concentrations of the three radionuclides in the different building materials, excluding the zircon and the industrial by-products (ashes, gypsum and phosphogypsum), are 62, 31 and 519 Bq kg-1 for 226Ra, 232Th and 40K, respectively. The radiological health hazard parameters: radium equivalent activity (Raeq), activity concentration index (I) absorbed and effective dose rates, associated with these radionuclides, were evaluated. These values are within the EU recommended limits in building materials, except for same samples of aggregates, granites, ceramics, phosphogypsum and zircon. This study will contribute for the worldwide data pooling on the radioactivity of the building materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Madruga
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa Campus Tecnológico e Nuclear, Estrada Nacional 10, ao km 139,7, Bobadela LRS, Portugal
- Laboratório de Proteção e Segurança Radiológica, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa Campus Tecnológico e Nuclear, Estrada Nacional 10, ao km 139,7, Bobadela LRS, Portugal
| | - C Miró
- Departamento de Física Aplicada, Universidad de Extremadura, Av. de la Universidad, s/n, Cáceres, Spain
| | - M Reis
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa Campus Tecnológico e Nuclear, Estrada Nacional 10, ao km 139,7, Bobadela LRS, Portugal
- Laboratório de Proteção e Segurança Radiológica, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa Campus Tecnológico e Nuclear, Estrada Nacional 10, ao km 139,7, Bobadela LRS, Portugal
| | - L Silva
- Laboratório de Proteção e Segurança Radiológica, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa Campus Tecnológico e Nuclear, Estrada Nacional 10, ao km 139,7, Bobadela LRS, Portugal
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Davies HS, Rosas-Moreno J, Cox F, Lythgoe P, Bewsher A, Livens FR, Robinson CH, Pittman JK. Multiple environmental factors influence 238U, 232Th and 226Ra bioaccumulation in arbuscular mycorrhizal-associated plants. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 640-641:921-934. [PMID: 30021326 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.05.370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2018] [Revised: 05/16/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Ecological consequences of low-dose radioactivity from natural sources or radioactive waste are important to understand but knowledge gaps still remain. In particular, the soil transfer and bioaccumulation of radionuclides into plant roots is poorly studied. Furthermore, better knowledge of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi association may help understand the complexities of radionuclide bioaccumulation within the rhizosphere. Plant bioaccumulation of uranium, thorium and radium was demonstrated at two field sites, where plant tissue concentrations reached up to 46.93 μg g-1 238U, 0.67 μg g-1 232Th and 18.27 kBq kg-1 226Ra. High root retention of uranium was consistent in all plant species studied. In contrast, most plants showed greater bioaccumulation of thorium and radium into above-ground tissues. The influence of specific soil parameters on root radionuclide bioaccumulation was examined. Total organic carbon significantly explained the variation in root uranium concentration, while other soil factors including copper concentration, magnesium concentration and pH significantly correlated with root concentrations of uranium, radium and thorium, respectively. All four orders of Glomeromycota were associated with root samples from both sites and all plant species studied showed varying association with AM fungi, ranging from zero to >60% root colonisation by fungal arbuscules. Previous laboratory studies using single plant-fungal species association had found a positive role of AM fungi in root uranium transfer, but no significant correlation between the amount of fungal infection and root uranium content in the field samples was found here. However, there was a significant negative correlation between AM fungal infection and radium accumulation. This study is the first to examine the role of AM fungi in radionuclide soil-plant transfer at a community level within the natural environment. We conclude that biotic factors alongside various abiotic factors influence the soil-plant transfer of radionuclides and future mechanistic studies are needed to explain these interactions in more detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena S Davies
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Jeanette Rosas-Moreno
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Filipa Cox
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Paul Lythgoe
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Alastair Bewsher
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Francis R Livens
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK; Centre for Radiochemistry Research, School of Chemistry, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Clare H Robinson
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK.
| | - Jon K Pittman
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK.
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10
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Blanco Rodríguez P, Vera Tomé F, Lozano JC. Influence of soil structure on the "F v approach" applied to 238U and 226Ra. CHEMOSPHERE 2017; 168:832-838. [PMID: 27825713 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2016.10.127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2016] [Revised: 10/26/2016] [Accepted: 10/30/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The soil-to-plant transfer factors were determined in a granitic area for the two long-lived uranium series radionuclides 238U and 226Ra. With the aim to identify a physical fraction of soil whose concentration correlates linearly with the plant concentration, the soil compartment was analyzed in various stages. An initial study identified the soil compartments as being either bulk soil or its labile fraction. The bulk soil was subsequently divided into three granulometric fractions consisting of: coarse sand, fine sand, and silt and clay. The soil-to-plant transfer of radionuclides for each of these three texture fractions was analyzed. Lastly, the labile fraction was extracted from each textural part, and the activity concentration of the radionuclides 238U and 226Ra was measured. In order to assess the influence of soil texture on the soil-to-plant transfer process, we sought to identify possible correlations between the activity concentration in the plant compartment and those found in the different fractions within each soil compartment. The results showed that the soil-to-plant transfer process for uranium and radium depends on soil grain size, where the results for uranium showed a linear relationship between the activity concentration of uranium in the plant and the fine soil fraction. In contrast, a linear relation between the activity concentration of radium in the plant and the soil coarse-sand fraction was observed. Additionally, the presence of phosphate and calcium in the soil of all of the compartments studied affected the soil-to-plant transfer of uranium and radium, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Blanco Rodríguez
- Grupo de Radiactividad Natural, Universidad de Extremadura, 06071 Badajoz, Spain
| | - F Vera Tomé
- Grupo de Radiactividad Natural, Universidad de Extremadura, 06071 Badajoz, Spain.
| | - J C Lozano
- Laboratorio de Radiaciones Ionizantes, Universidad de Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, Spain
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11
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Tuovinen TS, Kolehmainen M, Roivainen P, Kumlin T, Makkonen S, Holopainen T, Juutilainen J. Nonlinear transfer of elements from soil to plants: impact on radioecological modeling. RADIATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL BIOPHYSICS 2016; 55:393-400. [PMID: 27262316 DOI: 10.1007/s00411-016-0655-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2016] [Accepted: 05/27/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
In radioecology, transfer of radionuclides from soil to plants is typically described by a concentration ratio (CR), which assumes linearity of transfer with soil concentration. Nonlinear uptake is evidenced in many studies, but it is unclear how it should be taken into account in radioecological modeling. In this study, a conventional CR-based linear model, a nonlinear model derived from observed uptake into plants, and a new simple model based on the observation that nonlinear uptake leads to a practically constant concentration in plant tissues are compared. The three models were used to predict transfer of (234)U, (59)Ni and (210)Pb into spruce needles. The predictions of the nonlinear and the new model were essentially similar. In contrast, plant radionuclide concentration was underestimated by the linear model when the total element concentration in soil was relatively low, but within the range commonly observed in nature. It is concluded that the linear modeling could easily be replaced by a new approach that more realistically reflects the true processes involved in the uptake of elements into plants. The new modeling approach does not increase the complexity of modeling in comparison with CR-based linear models, and data needed for model parameters (element concentrations) are widely available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiina S Tuovinen
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, 70211, Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Mikko Kolehmainen
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, 70211, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Päivi Roivainen
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, 70211, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Timo Kumlin
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, 70211, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Sari Makkonen
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, 70211, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Toini Holopainen
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, 70211, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jukka Juutilainen
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, 70211, Kuopio, Finland
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12
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Wang ZT, Zheng J, Tagami K, Uchida S. Newly derived transfer factors for Th, Am, Pu, and Cl since publication of IAEA TRS No. 472: a review. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-015-4260-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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13
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Skoko B, Marović G, Babić D. Radioactivity in the Mediterranean flora of the Kaštela Bay, Croatia. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2014; 135:36-43. [PMID: 24769388 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2014.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2013] [Revised: 03/05/2014] [Accepted: 04/07/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
This study refers to background activity concentrations of (238)U, (226)Ra, (232)Th, (208)Tl, (40)K, and (137)Cs in soil and plants of the Kaštela Bay, Croatia and related plant-soil concentration ratios (CR's). Fourteen different Mediterranean plant species growing in natural conditions have been included and were divided into three major plant groups (grasses and herbs, shrub, tree). Radionuclide activity concentrations were determined by means of high resolution gamma-ray spectrometry. Soil parameters (pH, electrical conductivity, and organic matter content) were also analysed. CR ranges were within one order of magnitude for (40)K (10(-2)-10(-1)), (238)U, and (226)Ra (10(-3)-10(-2)), and two orders of magnitude for (232)Th, (208)Tl, and (137)Cs (10(-4)-10(-2)). There was no statistical difference between the plant groups in radionuclide uptake. Overall statistical analyses indicated a moderate negative relationship between soil concentrations and CR values, and no relationship with soil parameters, except a negative one for (137)Cs. Comparison with literature showed more agreement with studies that were done in the Mediterranean than with ICRP and IAEA databases. Our data not only describe the natural radioactivity of the Bay, but also create a dataset that could be relevant for further radioecological assessments of the Kaštela Bay.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Skoko
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska cesta 2, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - G Marović
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska cesta 2, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - D Babić
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska cesta 2, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia
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14
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Hu N, Ding D, Li G, Zheng J, Li L, Zhao W, Wang Y. Vegetation composition and ²²⁶Ra uptake by native plant species at a uranium mill tailings impoundment in South China. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2014; 129:100-106. [PMID: 24412774 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2013.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2013] [Revised: 09/16/2013] [Accepted: 12/17/2013] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
A field investigation was conducted for the vegetation composition and (226)Ra uptake by native plant species at a uranium mill tailings impoundment in South China. 80 species belonging to 67 genera in 32 families were recorded in the sampling sites. The Poaceae and Asteraceae were the dominant families colonizing the impoundment. The number of the plant species and vegetation community composition in the sampling sites seemed most closely related to the activities of (226)Ra and the pH value of the uranium tailings. The plant species in the sampling sites with relatively low activities of (226)Ra and relatively high pH value formed a relatively stable vegetation community. The plant species in the sampling sites with medium activities of (226)Ra and medium pH value formed the transitional vegetation community. The plant species in the sampling sites with relatively high activities of (226)Ra and relatively low pH value formed a simple unstable vegetation community that was similar to that on the unused grassland. The activities of (226)Ra and transfer factors (TFs) varied greatly with the plant species. The high activities of (226)Ra and TFs were found in the leaves of Pteris multifida (150.6 Bq/g of AW; 9.131), Pteridium aquilinum (122.2 Bq/g of AW; 7.409), and Dryopteris scottii (105.7 Bq/g of AW; 6.408). They satisfied the criteria for a hyperaccumulator for (226)Ra. They may be the candidates for phytoremediation of (226)Ra in the uranium mill tailings impoundment areas and the contaminated soils around.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Hu
- Key Discipline Laboratory for National Defense for Biotechnology in Uranium Mining and Hydrometallurgy, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, PR China
| | - Dexin Ding
- Key Discipline Laboratory for National Defense for Biotechnology in Uranium Mining and Hydrometallurgy, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, PR China.
| | - Guangyue Li
- Key Discipline Laboratory for National Defense for Biotechnology in Uranium Mining and Hydrometallurgy, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, PR China
| | - Jifang Zheng
- Key Discipline Laboratory for National Defense for Biotechnology in Uranium Mining and Hydrometallurgy, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, PR China
| | - Le Li
- Key Discipline Laboratory for National Defense for Biotechnology in Uranium Mining and Hydrometallurgy, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, PR China
| | - Weichao Zhao
- Key Discipline Laboratory for National Defense for Biotechnology in Uranium Mining and Hydrometallurgy, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, PR China
| | - Yongdong Wang
- Key Discipline Laboratory for National Defense for Biotechnology in Uranium Mining and Hydrometallurgy, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, PR China
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15
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Blanco Rodríguez P, Vera Tomé F, Lozano JC. Assessment of the vertical distribution of natural radionuclides in a mineralized uranium area in south-west Spain. CHEMOSPHERE 2014; 95:527-534. [PMID: 24182407 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2013.09.111] [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: 05/22/2013] [Revised: 09/12/2013] [Accepted: 09/26/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Low-level alpha spectrometry techniques using semiconductor detectors (PIPS) and liquid scintillation (LKB Quantulus 1220™) were used to determine the activity concentration of (238)U, (234)U, (230)Th, (226)Ra, (232)Th, and (210)Pb in soil samples. The soils were collected from an old disused uranium mine located in southwest Spain. The soils were sampled from areas with different levels of influence from the installation and hence had different levels of contamination. The vertical profiles of the soils (down to 40 cm depth) were studied in order to evaluate the vertical distribution of the natural radionuclides. To determine the origin of these natural radionuclides the Enrichment Factor was used. Also, study of the activity ratios between radionuclides belonging to the same radioactive series allowed us to assess the different types of behaviors of the radionuclides involved. The vertical profiles for the radionuclide members of the (238)U series were different at each sampling point, depending on the level of influence of the installation. However, the profiles of each point were similar for the long-lived radionuclides of the (238)U series ((238)U, (234)U, (230)Th, and (226)Ra). Moreover, a major imbalance was observed between (210)Pb and (226)Ra in the surface layer, due to (222)Rn exhalation and the subsequent surface deposition of (210)Pb.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Blanco Rodríguez
- Natural Radioactivity Group, Extremadura University, Avd. Elvas s/n, 06071 Badajoz, Spain
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16
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Radionuclides in biota collected near a dicalcium phosphate plant, southern Catalonia, Spain. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-013-2690-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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17
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Mitchell N, Pérez-Sánchez D, Thorne MC. A review of the behaviour of U-238 series radionuclides in soils and plants. JOURNAL OF RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION 2013; 33:R17-R48. [PMID: 23612607 DOI: 10.1088/0952-4746/33/2/r17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The U-238 series of radionuclides is of relevance in a variety of environmental contexts ranging from the remediation of former uranium mining and milling facilities to the deep geological disposal of solid radioactive wastes. Herein, we review what is known concerning the behaviour of radionuclides from the U-238 decay chain in soils and plants. This review is intended to provide a single comprehensive source of information to anyone involved in undertaking environmental impact assessment studies relating to this decay chain. Conclusions are drawn relating to values and ranges of distribution coefficients appropriate to uranium, thorium, radium, lead and polonium in different soil types and under various environmental conditions. Similarly, conclusions are drawn relating to plant:soil concentration ratios for these elements for different plant and soil types, and consideration is given to the distribution of these elements within plants following both root uptake and foliar application.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Mitchell
- Grant Harris Limited, Haslemere, Surrey, UK
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18
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Bellés M, Linares V, Perelló G, Domingo JL. Human dietary exposure to uranium in catalonia, Spain. Biol Trace Elem Res 2013; 152:1-8. [PMID: 23315285 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-012-9587-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2012] [Accepted: 12/20/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine the daily dietary intake of uranium (U) by the general population of Catalonia, Spain. Uranium concentrations were measured in foods widely consumed by the population living in that autonomous community. Food samples were randomly acquired in 12 representative cities of Catalonia. The dietary intake of U was estimated for various age-gender groups: children, adolescents, adults, and seniors. Fish and seafood was the food group showing the highest U concentrations (0.090 μg/g of fresh weight (fw)), followed by dairy products (0.044 μg/g fw). In contrast, the lowest U levels were found in oils and fats (0.003 μg/g fw), while in tubers and milk, U was not detected in any sample. The estimated dietary intake of U for a standard male adult of 70 kg body weight living in Catalonia was 15.48 μg/day. According to the age/gender of the population, the highest dietary intake of U corresponded to children (20.32 μg/day), while senior females was the subgroup with the lowest U intake (10.04 μg/day). Based on the tolerable daily intake established for U, the current dietary intake of this metal by the general population of Catalonia should not mean health risks for any of the different age/gender groups of consumers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Montserrat Bellés
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health and Physiology Unit, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Sant Llorens 21, 43201 Reus, Catalonia, Spain
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Strok M, Smodiš B, Eler K. Natural radionuclides in trees grown on a uranium mill tailings waste pile. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2011; 18:819-826. [PMID: 21445539 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-011-0499-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2011] [Accepted: 03/16/2011] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of the study was to investigate natural radionuclide uptake and allocation by trees. MATERIALS AND METHODS Samples from six Scots pines (P. sylvestris), six Norway spruces (Picea abies) and one sycamore maple (Acer pseudoplatanus) tree, growing on the Boršt uranium mill tailings waste pile in Slovenia were collected. (238)U, (230)Th, (226)Ra and (210)Pb activity concentrations in wood, shoots and 1-year-old needles or leaves were determined. Particular radionuclides were separated from the samples by appropriate radiochemical procedures and their activity concentrations measured with an alpha spectrometry system. In addition, concentration ratios for different plant parts were calculated. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Results showed that for all radionuclides, the highest activity concentrations were found in foliage, followed by shoots and wood. The activity concentrations in trees were from 0.01 to 5.4 Bq kg(-1) for (238)U, 0.03-11.3 Bq kg(-1) for (230)Th, 2.7-2,728 Bq kg(-1) for (226)Ra and 5.1-321 Bq kg(-1) for (210)Pb. All activity concentrations were calculated on dry weight basis. The calculated concentration ratios were from 1.05E-5 to 5.39E-3 for (238)U, 7.65E-6-2.88E-3 for (230)Th, 3.10E-4-3.16E-1 for (226)Ra and 6.70E-4-4.22E-2 for (210)Pb.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marko Strok
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, SI-1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Lourenço JI, Pereira RO, Silva AC, Morgado JM, Carvalho FP, Oliveira JM, Malta MP, Paiva AA, Mendo SA, Gonçalves FJ. Genotoxic endpoints in the earthworms sub-lethal assay to evaluate natural soils contaminated by metals and radionuclides. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2011; 186:788-795. [PMID: 21146299 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2010.11.073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2010] [Revised: 11/16/2010] [Accepted: 11/17/2010] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Eisenia andrei was exposed, for 56 days, to a contaminated soil from an abandoned uranium mine and to the natural reference soil LUFA 2.2. The organisms were sampled after 0, 1, 2, 7, 14 and 56 days of exposure, to assess metals bioaccumulation, coelomocytes DNA integrity and cytotoxicity. Radionuclides bioaccumulation and growth were also determined at 0 h, 14 and 56 days of exposure. Results have shown the bioaccumulation of metals and radionuclides, as well as, growth reduction, DNA damages and cytotoxicity in earthworms exposed to contaminated soil. The usefulness of the comet assay and flow cytometry, to evaluate the toxicity of contaminants such as metals and radionuclides in earthworms are herein reported. We also demonstrated that DNA strand breakage and immune cells frequency are important endpoints to be employed in the earthworm reproduction assay, for the evaluation of soil geno and cytotoxicity, as part of the risk assessment of contaminated areas. This is the first study that integrates DNA damage and cytotoxicity evaluation, growth and bioaccumulation of metals and radionuclides in a sub lethal assay, for earthworms exposed to soil contaminated with metals and radionuclides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana I Lourenço
- CESAM & Departamento de Biologia, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro, Portugal.
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