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Antonova EV, Pozolotina VN. Investigation of biological-rhythm patterns: physiological and biochemical effects in herbaceous plants exposed to low-level chronic radiation - part 1: nonirradiated seeds. Int J Radiat Biol 2024:1-21. [PMID: 38805607 DOI: 10.1080/09553002.2024.2348076] [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: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
HYPOTHESIS Because reactive oxygen species are involved in the regulation of biological rhythms, we hypothesized that intra-annual variability of seed progeny quality at low doses of ionizing radiation (LDIRs) would differ from that of background plants. MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted 12 consecutive experiments using the roll culture method by germinating seeds (monthly for 3 weeks) of six herbaceous plant species (Bromus inermis, Geum aleppicum, Plantago major, Rumex confertus, Silene latifolia, and Taraxacum officinale) growing under conditions of chronic radiation in the East Ural Radioactive Trace (EURT). We assessed physiological (seed viability and abnormality frequency) and biochemical (low-molecular-weight antioxidants, LMWAs) parameters of seedlings. RESULTS Total absorbed dose rates of maternal plants (TADRplants) and seed embryos (TADRseeds) in the EURT exceeded background levels by 1-3 and 1-2 orders of magnitude, respectively. Nonlinear dependencies on TADR were mainly characteristic of physiological and biochemical parameters. For most populations of the studied species (B. inermis, G. aleppicum, R. confertus, and S. latifolia), seedling survival and root length decreased in the autumn-winter period, while the frequency of abnormal seedlings increased. The content of LMWAs could be ranked as R. confertus > B. inermis > G. aleppicum > S. latifolia, in good agreement with the presence of anthocyanin pigmentation in the plants. The lowest synthesis of antioxidants in seedlings was observed in winter. A high LMWA content promoted growth and reduced the frequency of abnormal seedlings. CONCLUSIONS These results underscore a multistage nature of the impact of LDIRs on intra-annual biological rhythms in plants. High heterogeneity in reference group 'wild grasses' and diversity of their radiobiological effects should help to develop methods of radiation protection for natural ecosystems and facilitate approaches used by the International Commission on Radiological Protection.HighlightsAbsorbed dose rates for six plant species in the East Ural Radioactive Trace (EURT) area range from 0.11 to 73.89 µGy h-s (plants) and 0.11 to 6.88 µGy h-s (seed embryos).Intra-annual rhythms of physiological and biochemical parameters in the EURT zone differ from those in background seedlings.Plants in the EURT area exhibit a wide range of trait variability, asynchrony of the manifestation of the effects, nonlinear dose-response relations, and hormesis.A high content of low-molecular-weight antioxidants (LMWAs) is associated with low frequency of developmental abnormalities and high viability of seed progeny.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena V Antonova
- Laboratory of Population Radiobiology, Institute of Plant & Animal Ecology, Ural Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Yekaterinburg, Russia
| | - Vera N Pozolotina
- Laboratory of Population Radiobiology, Institute of Plant & Animal Ecology, Ural Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Yekaterinburg, Russia
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Ferreira M, Turner A, Jha AN. Controlled Release of Radioactive Water from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant: Should We Be Concerned? ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:4840-4843. [PMID: 38453167 PMCID: PMC10956427 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c08702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Maria
F. Ferreira
- School
of Biological and Marine Sciences, University
of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA, U.K.
| | - Andrew Turner
- School
of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA, U.K.
| | - Awadhesh N. Jha
- School
of Biological and Marine Sciences, University
of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA, U.K.
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Ferreira MF, Turner A, Vernon EL, Grisolia C, Lebaron-Jacobs L, Malard V, Jha AN. Tritium: Its relevance, sources and impacts on non-human biota. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 876:162816. [PMID: 36921857 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Tritium (3H) is a radioactive isotope of hydrogen that is abundantly released from nuclear industries. It is extremely mobile in the environment and in all biological systems, representing an increasing concern for the health of both humans and non-human biota (NHB). The present review examines the sources and characteristics of tritium in the environment, and evaluates available information pertaining to its biological effects at different levels of biological organisation in NHB. Despite an increasing number of publications in the tritium radiobiology field, there exists a significant disparity between data available for the different taxonomic groups and species, and observations are heavily biased towards marine bivalves, fish and mammals (rodents). Further limitations relate to the scarcity of information in the field relative to the laboratory, and lack of studies that employ forms of tritium other than tritiated water (HTO). Within these constraints, different responses to HTO exposure, from molecular to behavioural, have been reported during early life stages, but the potential transgenerational effects are unclear. The application of rapidly developing "omics" techniques could help to fill these knowledge gaps and further elucidate the relationships between molecular and organismal level responses through the development of radiation specific adverse outcome pathways (AOPs). The use of a greater diversity of keystone species and exposures to multiple stressors, elucidating other novel effects (e.g., by-stander, germ-line, transgenerational and epigenetic effects) offers opportunities to improve environmental risk assessments for the radionuclide. These could be combined with artificial intelligence (AI) including machine learning (ML) and ecosystem-based approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Florencia Ferreira
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK
| | - Andrew Turner
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK
| | - Emily L Vernon
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK
| | | | | | - Veronique Malard
- Aix Marseille Univ, CEA, CNRS, BIAM, IPM, F-13108 Saint Paul-Lez-Durance, France
| | - Awadhesh N Jha
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK.
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Mrdakovic Popic J, Haanes H, Di Carlo C, Nuccetelli C, Venoso G, Leonardi F, Trevisi R, Trotti F, Ugolini R, Dvorzhak A, Escribano A, Perez Sanchez D, Real A, Michalik B, Pannecoucke L, Blanchart P, Kallio A, Pereira R, Lourenço J, Skipperud L, Jerome S, Fevrier L. Tools for harmonized data collection at exposure situations with naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM). ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 175:107954. [PMID: 37187003 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.107954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM) contribute to the dose arising from radiation exposure for workers, public and non-human biota in different working and environmental conditions. Within the EURATOM Horizon 2020 RadoNorm project, work is ongoing to identify NORM exposure situations and scenarios in European countries and to collect qualitative and quantitative data of relevance for radiation protection. The data obtained will contribute to improved understanding of the extent of activities involving NORM, radionuclide behaviours and the associated radiation exposure, and will provide an insight into related scientific, practical and regulatory challenges. The development of a tiered methodology for identification of NORM exposure situations and complementary tools to support uniform data collection were the first activities in the mentioned project NORM work. While NORM identification methodology is given in Michalik et al., 2023, in this paper, the main details of tools for NORM data collection are presented and they are made publicly available. The tools are a series of NORM registers in Microsoft Excel form, that have been comprehensively designed to help (a) identify the main NORM issues of radiation protection concern at given exposure situations, (b) gain an overview of materials involved (i.e., raw materials, products, by-products, residues, effluents), c) collect qualitative and quantitative data on NORM, and (d) characterise multiple hazards exposure scenarios and make further steps towards development of an integrated risk and exposure dose assessment for workers, public and non-human biota. Furthermore, the NORM registers ensure standardised and unified characterisation of NORM situations in a manner that supports and complements the effective management and regulatory control of NORM processes, products and wastes, and related exposures to natural radiation worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelena Mrdakovic Popic
- Norwegian Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (DSA), Grini Næringspark, 13, Østerås, Norway.
| | - Hallvard Haanes
- Norwegian Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (DSA), Grini Næringspark, 13, Østerås, Norway
| | - Christian Di Carlo
- National Institute of Health (ISS), National Centre for Radiation Protection and Computational Physics, Rome, Italy
| | - Cristina Nuccetelli
- National Institute of Health (ISS), National Centre for Radiation Protection and Computational Physics, Rome, Italy
| | - Gennaro Venoso
- National Institute of Health (ISS), National Centre for Radiation Protection and Computational Physics, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Leonardi
- National Institute for Insurance Against Accidents at Work (INAIL), DiMEILA, Monteporzio Catone, Rome, Italy
| | - Rosabianca Trevisi
- National Institute for Insurance Against Accidents at Work (INAIL), DiMEILA, Monteporzio Catone, Rome, Italy
| | - Flavio Trotti
- Environmental Protection Agency of Veneto (ARPAV), Verona, Italy
| | | | - Alla Dvorzhak
- Research Centre on Energy, Environment and Technology (CIEMAT), Av. Complutense 40, Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Alicia Escribano
- Research Centre on Energy, Environment and Technology (CIEMAT), Av. Complutense 40, Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Danyl Perez Sanchez
- Research Centre on Energy, Environment and Technology (CIEMAT), Av. Complutense 40, Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Almudena Real
- Research Centre on Energy, Environment and Technology (CIEMAT), Av. Complutense 40, Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Boguslaw Michalik
- Central Mining Institute, Silesian Centre for Environmental Radioactivity (GIG), Plac Gwarków, 1, 40-166 Katowice, Poland
| | - Lea Pannecoucke
- Institute for Radiological Protection and Nuclear Safety, IRSN/PSE-ENV/SEDRE, 92260 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Pascale Blanchart
- Institute for Radiological Protection and Nuclear Safety, IRSN/PSE-ENV/SEDRE, 92260 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Antti Kallio
- Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority, (STUK), Lähteentie 2, 96400 Rovaniemi, Finland
| | - Ruth Pereira
- GreenUPorto - Sustainable Agrifood Production Research Centre/Inov4Agro, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences of the University of Porto, Campus de Vairão, Rua de Agrária, 747, Vila do Conde, Portugal
| | - Joana Lourenço
- Department of Biology and CESAM, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitario de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Lindis Skipperud
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Environmental Chemistry Section, P. O. Box 5003, 1432 Aas, Norway
| | - Simon Jerome
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Environmental Chemistry Section, P. O. Box 5003, 1432 Aas, Norway
| | - Laureline Fevrier
- Institute for Radiological Protection and Nuclear Safety, IRSN/PSE-ENV/SRTE, 13115 Saint Paul-lez-Durance Cedex, France
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Bondarenko V, Geras'kin S, Bondarenko E, Yoschenko V, Bondarenko S, Khanova A, Garbaruk D, Nanba K. Comparative analysis of epigenetic variability in two pine species exposed to chronic radiation in the chernobyl and fukushima affected zones. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 330:121799. [PMID: 37169241 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Comparative analysis of epigenetic variability in two pine species affected as a result of the Chernobyl and Fukushima accidents is presented. The absorbed dose rate within the affected Chernobyl sites varies over a wider range (1.5-24.6 μGy/h) than within the Fukushima sites (3.5-6.5 μGy/h). It was shown that chronic irradiation can change the level of whole genome methylation in pine populations, but in different ways. The genomes of Japanese red pines are hypomethylated, and the degree of methylation and hydroxymethylation decreases with an increase in the level of radiation exposure. In contrast, the percentages of genome methylation and hydroxymethylation in Scots pine populations exceed the reference levels. The observed discrepancy in the patterns of genome-wide DNA methylation can be attributed partly to the design of the study (differences in the climate, radiation dose, age and species of the pines) which could affect the results. In the frame of IRAP analysis, a larger number of different bands was observed in the Chernobyl populations compared to the Japanese populations. Both the Japanese and Chernobyl populations are characterized by significant genetic variability. However, the main part of this variability is observed within populations. The dendrograms, based on presence/absence of IRAP fragments and Nei's genetic distances, revealed subdivisions of the Chernobyl and Japanese populations according to the level of radioactive contamination. Analysis of the results presented will improve our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the responses of pine trees to chronic radiation exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir Bondarenko
- Russian Institute of Radiology and Agroecology, Kievskoe Shosse, 109 Km, Obninsk, Kaluga Region, 249032, Russian Federation
| | - Stanislav Geras'kin
- Russian Institute of Radiology and Agroecology, Kievskoe Shosse, 109 Km, Obninsk, Kaluga Region, 249032, Russian Federation.
| | - Ekaterina Bondarenko
- Russian Institute of Radiology and Agroecology, Kievskoe Shosse, 109 Km, Obninsk, Kaluga Region, 249032, Russian Federation
| | - Vasyl Yoschenko
- Institute of Environmental Radioactivity of Fukushima University, 1 Kanayagawa, Fukushima, 960-1296, Japan
| | - Sergey Bondarenko
- Russian Institute of Radiology and Agroecology, Kievskoe Shosse, 109 Km, Obninsk, Kaluga Region, 249032, Russian Federation
| | - Anastasiya Khanova
- Russian Institute of Radiology and Agroecology, Kievskoe Shosse, 109 Km, Obninsk, Kaluga Region, 249032, Russian Federation
| | - Dmitriy Garbaruk
- Polesye State Radiation-Ecological Reserve, 247618, Tereshkovoy Str. 7, Khoyniki, Belarus
| | - Kenji Nanba
- Institute of Environmental Radioactivity of Fukushima University, 1 Kanayagawa, Fukushima, 960-1296, Japan
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6
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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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7
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Cantabella E, Camilleri V, Cavalie I, Dubourg N, Gagnaire B, Charlier TD, Adam-Guillermin C, Cousin X, Armant O. Revealing the Increased Stress Response Behavior through Transcriptomic Analysis of Adult Zebrafish Brain after Chronic Low to Moderate Dose Rates of Ionizing Radiation. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14153793. [PMID: 35954455 PMCID: PMC9367516 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14153793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The increasing use of radiopharmaceuticals for medical diagnostics and radiotherapy raises concerns regarding health risks for both humans and the environment. Additionally, in the context of major nuclear accidents like in Chernobyl and Fukushima, very little is known about the effects of chronic exposure to low and moderate dose rates of ionizing radiation (IR). Many studies demonstrated the sensibility of the developmental brain, but little data exists for IR at low dose rates and their impact on adults. In this study, we characterized the molecular mechanisms that orchestrate stress behavior caused by chronic exposure to low to moderate dose rates of IR using the adult zebrafish model. We observed the establishment of a congruent stress response at both the molecular and individual levels. Abstract High levels of ionizing radiation (IR) are known to induce neurogenesis defects with harmful consequences on brain morphogenesis and cognitive functions, but the effects of chronic low to moderate dose rates of IR remain largely unknown. In this study, we aim at defining the main molecular pathways impacted by IR and how these effects can translate to higher organizational levels such as behavior. Adult zebrafish were exposed to gamma radiation for 36 days at 0.05 mGy/h, 0.5 mGy/h and 5 mGy/h. RNA sequencing was performed on the telencephalon and completed by RNA in situ hybridization that confirmed the upregulation of oxytocin and cone rod homeobox in the parvocellular preoptic nucleus. A dose rate-dependent increase in differentially expressed genes (DEG) was observed with 27 DEG at 0.05 mGy/h, 200 DEG at 0.5 mGy/h and 530 DEG at 5 mGy/h. Genes involved in neurotransmission, neurohormones and hypothalamic-pituitary-interrenal axis functions were specifically affected, strongly suggesting their involvement in the stress response behavior observed after exposure to dose rates superior or equal to 0.5 mGy/h. At the individual scale, hypolocomotion, increased freezing and social stress were detected. Together, these data highlight the intricate interaction between neurohormones (and particularly oxytocin), neurotransmission and neurogenesis in response to chronic exposure to IR and the establishment of anxiety-like behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elsa Cantabella
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), Pôle Santé Environnement-Environnement (PSE-ENV)/Service de Recherche sur les Transferts et les Effets des Radionucléides sur les Ecosystèmes (SRTE)/Laboratoire de Recherche sur les Effets des Radionucléides sur les Ecosystèmes (LECO), Cadarache, 13115 Saint-Paul-lez-Durance, France
- Correspondence: (E.C.); (O.A.)
| | - Virginie Camilleri
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), Pôle Santé Environnement-Environnement (PSE-ENV)/Service de Recherche sur les Transferts et les Effets des Radionucléides sur les Ecosystèmes (SRTE)/Laboratoire de Recherche sur les Effets des Radionucléides sur les Ecosystèmes (LECO), Cadarache, 13115 Saint-Paul-lez-Durance, France
| | - Isabelle Cavalie
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), Pôle Santé Environnement-Environnement (PSE-ENV)/Service de Recherche sur les Transferts et les Effets des Radionucléides sur les Ecosystèmes (SRTE)/Laboratoire de Recherche sur les Effets des Radionucléides sur les Ecosystèmes (LECO), Cadarache, 13115 Saint-Paul-lez-Durance, France
| | - Nicolas Dubourg
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), Pôle Santé Environnement-Environnement (PSE-ENV)/Service de Recherche sur les Transferts et les Effets des Radionucléides sur les Ecosystèmes (SRTE)/Laboratoire de Recherche sur les Effets des Radionucléides sur les Ecosystèmes (LECO), Cadarache, 13115 Saint-Paul-lez-Durance, France
| | - Béatrice Gagnaire
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), Pôle Santé Environnement-Environnement (PSE-ENV)/Service de Recherche sur les Transferts et les Effets des Radionucléides sur les Ecosystèmes (SRTE)/Laboratoire de Recherche sur les Effets des Radionucléides sur les Ecosystèmes (LECO), Cadarache, 13115 Saint-Paul-lez-Durance, France
| | - Thierry D. Charlier
- Univ. Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail), UMR_S 1085, 35000 Rennes, France
| | - Christelle Adam-Guillermin
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), Pôle Santé Environnement-Santé (PSE-Santé)/Service de Recherche en Dosimétrie (SDOS)/Laboratoire de Micro-Irradiation, de Métrologie et de Dosimétrie des Neutrons (LMDN), Cadarache, 13115 Saint-Paul-lez-Durance, France
| | - Xavier Cousin
- MARBEC, Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, IRD, INRAE, 34250 Palavas Les Flots, France
| | - Oliver Armant
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), Pôle Santé Environnement-Environnement (PSE-ENV)/Service de Recherche sur les Transferts et les Effets des Radionucléides sur les Ecosystèmes (SRTE)/Laboratoire de Recherche sur les Effets des Radionucléides sur les Ecosystèmes (LECO), Cadarache, 13115 Saint-Paul-lez-Durance, France
- Correspondence: (E.C.); (O.A.)
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Burrows JE, Copplestone D, Raines KE, Beresford NA, Tinsley MC. Ecologically relevant radiation exposure triggers elevated metabolic rate and nectar consumption in bumblebees. Funct Ecol 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.14067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica E. Burrows
- Biological and Environmental Sciences University of Stirling Stirling UK
| | - David Copplestone
- Biological and Environmental Sciences University of Stirling Stirling UK
| | | | | | - Matthew C. Tinsley
- Biological and Environmental Sciences University of Stirling Stirling UK
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Griffault L, Aubonnet E, Brown J, Guerfi R, Kautsky U, Kowe R, Saetre P, Shibutani S, Smith G, Smith K, Thorne M, Walke R. Approaches to the definition of potentially exposed groups and potentially exposed populations of biota in the context of solid radioactive waste. JOURNAL OF RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION 2022; 42:020515. [PMID: 35593511 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6498/ac6045] [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: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
A methodology for addressing the biosphere in safety assessments for solid radioactive waste disposal was developed through theme 1 of the IAEA coordinated research project on BIOsphere Modelling and ASSessment (BIOMASS) that ran from 1996 to 2001. This methodology provided guidance on how the biosphere can be addressed in safety assessments for disposal of solid radioactive waste. Since the methodology was developed, it has proven useful and has been widely referenced in assessments in a diversity of contexts encompassing both near-surface and deep geological disposal of solid radioactive waste. The principles that could be adopted for defining potentially exposed groups (PEGs) were an important aspect in the original BIOMASS methodology as the endpoint of an assessment usually includes the evaluation of individual dose or risk to human health. Identification of PEGs and definition of their characteristics are usually made to be consistent with the biosphere system description being developed, acknowledging that due to inherent uncertainties in projecting future human behaviour, the biosphere models adopted for assessing safety of a disposal system can only be illustrative. Since the publication of the original BIOMASS methodology, consideration has been extended to include potentially exposed populations of biota (PEPs), in the context of dose assessment and protection of the environment. Considering the need for the development of transfer pathways from a source term to an end point (for either PEGs or PEPs), the exposure modes that may occur and those to be assessed quantitatively should be identified. Within an expert working group (WG6) of the second phase of the IAEA coordinated project Modelling and Data for Radiological Impact Assessments (MODARIA II), the experience of participating organisations has been collected on topics associated with the definition of PEGs and PEPs using a questionnaire. The objective of the questionnaire was to review the current status and on-going discussions on the handling of issues related to definitions of PEGs and PEPs as an input to the development of biosphere models for assessing radiological impacts on human health and the environment. The answers received to the questionnaire provided a clear overview of the progress that has been made since the original BIOMASS methodology was published, together with the lessons learned from the application of that methodology in the development of safety cases. This paper summarises the questionnaire responses in five subject areas: (1) environment of the PEGs and its evolution; (2) linking the choice of PEGs to these environments; (3) food habits and consumption rates; (4) populations of non-human biota (PEPs) and (5) national and international regulations and guidance. We illustrate how the results of the questionnaire have been used to enhance the original BIOMASS methodology (IAEA Enhanced BIOMASS Methodology Report in press).
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Affiliation(s)
- Lise Griffault
- Agence nationale pour la gestion des déchets radioactifs (Andra), 1-7 Rue Jean Monnet, Châtenay-Malabry, 92298, France
| | - Emilie Aubonnet
- Agence nationale pour la gestion des déchets radioactifs (Andra), 1-7 Rue Jean Monnet, Châtenay-Malabry, 92298, France
| | - Joanne Brown
- International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna International Centre, PO Box 100, 1400 Vienna, Austria
| | - Reda Guerfi
- Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (STUK), Laippatie 4, PO Box 14, FI-00881 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ulrik Kautsky
- Svensk Kärnbränslehantering AB (SKB), PO Box 3091, SE-169 03 Solna, Sweden
| | - Raymond Kowe
- Nuclear Waste Services Ltd, Harwell OX11 0RL, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Saetre
- Svensk Kärnbränslehantering AB (SKB), PO Box 3091, SE-169 03 Solna, Sweden
| | - Sanae Shibutani
- Nuclear Waste Management Organisation of Japan (NUMO), MitaNN Bldg. 1-23, Shiba 4-Chome, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-0014, Japan
| | - Graham Smith
- Clemson University, South Carolina and GMS Abingdon Ltd, Tamarisk, Abingdon, United Kingdom
| | - Karen Smith
- RadEcol Consulting Ltd, 5. The Chambers, Vineyard, Abingdon OX14 3PX, United Kingdom
| | - Mike Thorne
- Mike Thorne and Associates Ltd, Quarry Cottage, Hamsterley, Bishop Auckland DL13 3NJ, United Kingdom
| | - Russell Walke
- Quintessa Ltd, Videcom House, Newtown Road, Henley-on-Thames RG9 1HG, United Kingdom
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10
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Beresford NA, Wood MD, Gashchak S, Barnett CL. Current ionising radiation doses in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone do not directly impact on soil biological activity. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0263600. [PMID: 35196340 PMCID: PMC8865656 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0263600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Although soil organisms are essential for ecosystem function, the impacts of radiation on soil biological activity at highly contaminated sites has been relatively poorly studied. In April-May 2016, we conducted the first largescale deployment of bait lamina to estimate soil organism (largely soil invertebrate) feeding activity in situ at study plots in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone (CEZ). Across our 53 study plots, estimated weighted absorbed dose rates to soil organisms ranged from 0.7 μGy h-1 to 1753 μGy h-1. There was no significant relationship between soil organism feeding activity and estimated weighted absorbed dose rate. Soil biological activity did show significant relationships with soil moisture content, bulk density (used as a proxy for soil organic matter) and pH. At plots in the Red Forest (an area of coniferous plantation where trees died because of high radiation exposure in 1986) soil biological activity was low compared to plots elsewhere in the CEZ. It is possible that the lower biological activity observed in the Red Forest is a residual consequence of what was in effect an acute high exposure to radiation in 1986.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas A. Beresford
- UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Lancaster Environment Centre, Bailrigg, Lancaster, United Kingdom
- School of Science, Engineering & Environment, University of Salford, Manchester, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Michael D. Wood
- School of Science, Engineering & Environment, University of Salford, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Sergey Gashchak
- International Radioecology Laboratory, Chornobyl Center for Nuclear Safety, Radioactive Waste & Radioecology, Slavutych, Kyiv Region, Ukraine
| | - Catherine L. Barnett
- UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Lancaster Environment Centre, Bailrigg, Lancaster, United Kingdom
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11
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Geras’kin SA, Fesenko SV, Volkova PY, Isamov NN. What Have We Learned about the Biological Effects of Radiation from the 35 Years of Analysis of the Consequences of the Chernobyl NPP Accident? BIOL BULL+ 2022. [DOI: 10.1134/s1062359021120050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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12
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Antonova EV, Röder MS. Evaluation of the genetic structure of Bromus inermis populations from chemically and radioactively polluted areas using microsatellite markers from closely related species. Int J Radiat Biol 2021; 98:1289-1300. [PMID: 34855571 DOI: 10.1080/09553002.2022.2013569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Hypothesis The ecotoxicological and radiobiological effects can be manifested in a decrease in genetic diversity with an increase in toxic and radiation load, in an increase in the frequencies of rare and/or unique (private) alleles in impact samples, and in a decrease in the differentiation of B. inermis populations within each pollution area.Materials and methods We have selected a collection of primers for Bromus inermis, consisting of 21 microsatellite (SSR) loci from B. sterilis, B. tectorum and Triticum aestivum. The level of toxic load (chemically polluted area) was 4-19 conventional units, and the absorbed dose rate (the Kyshtym accident area) varied from 0.153 to 21.5 μGy h-1, which is up to two orders higher than the natural background radiation level (≈ 0.1 μGy h-1).Results Only eight of 21 (38%) of SSR primers showed good transferability and were used for B. inermis population studies from areas of technogenic pollution (heavy metals and radionuclides). We revealed 42 alleles at eight loci, and the number of alleles per locus varied from one to 13 in B. inermis populations. The percentage of polymorphic loci in B. inermis populations was 48.44%, the polymorphism information content (PIC) value was 0.556, and Shannon information index was 0.69 ± 0.3. A total of 22 rare, 14 private and 9 both rare and private alleles were reported for all B. inermis populations. There were no correlations between geographic and genetic distances. Only 6.8% of the genetic variability was distributed among B. inermis populations.Conclusion There was no decrease in genetic diversity ("genetic erosion") found in B. inermis populations growing for a long time under anthropogenic stress. No significant differences in the number of rare and private alleles in the background and impact populations of B. inermis were found. The smooth brome is characterized by low differentiation of the populations. Possible reasons for this phenomenon are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena V Antonova
- Laboratory of Population Radiobiology, Institute of Plant & Animal Ecology, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 8 Marta str. 202, Ekaterinburg 620144, Russia
| | - Marion S Röder
- Group of Gene and Genome Mapping, Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research, Corrensstr. 3, Stadt Seeland OT Gatersleben 06466, Germany
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13
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Cunningham K, Hinton TG, Luxton JJ, Bordman A, Okuda K, Taylor LE, Hayes J, Gerke HC, Chinn SM, Anderson D, Laudenslager ML, Takase T, Nemoto Y, Ishiniwa H, Beasley JC, Bailey SM. Evaluation of DNA damage and stress in wildlife chronically exposed to low-dose, low-dose rate radiation from the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant accident. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 155:106675. [PMID: 34120002 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106675] [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: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The health effects associated with chronic low-dose, low-dose rate (LD-LDR) exposures to environmental radiation are uncertain. All dose-effect studies conducted outside controlled laboratory conditions are challenged by inherent complexities of ecological systems and difficulties quantifying dose to free-ranging organisms in natural environments. Consequently, the effects of chronic LD-LDR radiation exposures on wildlife health remain poorly understood and much debated. Here, samples from wild boar (Sus scrofa leucomystax) and rat snakes (Elaphe spp.) were collected between 2016 and 2018 across a gradient of radiation exposures in Fukushima, Japan. In vivo biomarkers of DNA damage and stress were evaluated as a function of multiple measurements of radiation dose. Specifically, we assessed frequencies of dicentric chromosomes (Telomere-Centromere Fluorescence in situ Hybridization: TC-FISH), telomere length (Telo-FISH, qPCR), and cortisol hormone levels (Enzyme Immunoassay: EIA) in wild boar, and telomere length (qPCR) in snakes. These biological parameters were then correlated to robust calculations of radiation dose rate at the time of capture and plausible upper bound lifetime dose, both of which incorporated internal and external dose. No significant relationships were observed between dicentric chromosome frequencies or telomere length and dose rate at capture or lifetime dose (p value range: 0.20-0.97). Radiation exposure significantly associated only with cortisol, where lower concentrations were associated with higher dose rates (r2 = 0.58; p < 0.0001), a relationship that was likely due to other (unmeasured) factors. Our results suggest that wild boar and snakes chronically exposed to LD-LDR radiation sufficient to prohibit human occupancy were not experiencing significant adverse health effects as assessed by biomarkers of DNA damage and stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly Cunningham
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1618, USA
| | - Thomas G Hinton
- Centre for Environmental Radioactivity, Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), P.O. Box 5003, N-1433 Ås, Norway; Institute of Environmental Radioactivity, 1 Kanayagawa, Fukushima City, Fukushima 960-1296, Japan.
| | - Jared J Luxton
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1618, USA
| | - Aryn Bordman
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1618, USA
| | - Kei Okuda
- Faculty of Human Environmental Studies, Hiroshima Shudo University, Hiroshima 731-3195, Japan
| | - Lynn E Taylor
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1618, USA
| | - Josh Hayes
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1618, USA
| | - Hannah C Gerke
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Aiken, SC 29808, USA
| | - Sarah M Chinn
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Aiken, SC 29808, USA
| | - Donovan Anderson
- Symbiotic Systems Science and Technology, Fukushima University, Fukushima, Fukushima City, Kanayagawa 960-1248, Japan
| | - Mark L Laudenslager
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Tsugiko Takase
- Institute of Environmental Radioactivity, 1 Kanayagawa, Fukushima City, Fukushima 960-1296, Japan
| | - Yui Nemoto
- Fukushima Prefectural Centre for Environmental Creation, 2-10 Fukasaku, Miharu, Fukushima 963-7799, Japan
| | - Hiroko Ishiniwa
- Institute of Environmental Radioactivity, 1 Kanayagawa, Fukushima City, Fukushima 960-1296, Japan
| | - James C Beasley
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Aiken, SC 29808, USA
| | - Susan M Bailey
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1618, USA
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14
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Gilbin R, Arnold T, Beresford NA, Berthomieu C, Brown JE, de With G, Horemans N, Madruga MJ, Masson O, Merroun M, Michalik B, Muikku M, O'Toole S, Mrdakovic Popic J, Nogueira P, Real A, Sachs S, Salbu B, Stark K, Steiner M, Sweeck L, Vandenhove H, Vidal M, Vives I Batlle J. An updated strategic research agenda for the integration of radioecology in the european radiation protection research. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2021; 237:106697. [PMID: 34334231 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2021.106697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The ALLIANCE Strategic Research Agenda (SRA) for radioecology is a living document that defines a long-term vision (20 years) of the needs for, and implementation of, research in radioecology in Europe. The initial SRA, published in 2012, included consultation with a wide range of stakeholders (Hinton et al., 2013). This revised version is an update of the research strategy for identified research challenges, and includes a strategy to maintain and develop the associated required capacities for workforce (education and training) and research infrastructures and capabilities. Beyond radioecology, this SRA update constitutes a contribution to the implementation of a Joint Roadmap for radiation protection research in Europe (CONCERT, 2019a). This roadmap, established under the H2020 European Joint Programme CONCERT, provides a common and shared vision for radiation protection research, priority areas and strategic objectives for collaboration within a European radiation protection research programme to 2030 and beyond. Considering the advances made since the first SRA, this updated version presents research challenges and priorities including identified scientific issues that, when successfully resolved, have the potential to impact substantially and strengthen the system and/or practice of the overall radiation protection (game changers) in radioecology with regard to their integration into the global vision of European research in radiation protection. An additional aim of this paper is to encourage contribution from research communities, end users, decision makers and other stakeholders in the evaluation, further advancement and accomplishment of the identified priorities.
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15
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Geras'kin S, Minkenova K, Perevolotsky A, Baigazinov Z, Perevolotskaya T. Threshold dose rates for the cytogenetic effects in crested hairgrass populations from the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site, Kazakhstan. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 416:125817. [PMID: 33865108 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.125817] [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: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
An assessment of cytogenetic effects in crested hairgrass (Koeleria gracilis Pers.) populations was carried out within the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site (Kazakhstan) where combat radioactive substances were tested in 1953-1957. Current levels of radioactive contamination within this site are varied by orders of magnitude, while soil characteristics and heavy metal pollution are similar. The main contribution to the absorbed by plants doses at this site was caused by incorporated 90Sr. The frequency of cytogenetic alterations in crested hairgrass was investigated in a wide range of doses (10-4-13 Gy/growing season) at 100 sampling points. For the first time in the field conditions the shape of the cytogenetic effects - dose rate relationship was evaluated with acceptable accuracy and found to be nonlinear. The frequency of aberrant cells remained practically unchanged up to 49 µGy/h. Exceeding the threshold dose rate lead to a steep increase in the aberrant cells frequency from less than 2% up to 16%. The main contribution to the cytogenetic effects was made by double bridges and fragments. Breakpoints for other types of cytogenetic alterations were also evaluated (7 µGy/h for single fragments and bridges; 74 for double fragments and bridges; 81 for mitotic abnormalities).
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanislav Geras'kin
- Russian Institute of Radiology and Agroecology, Kievskoe shosse, 109 km, 49020 Obninsk, Russia.
| | - Kyrmyzy Minkenova
- Institute of Radiation Safety and Ecology, NNC, Kurchatov, Kazakhstan
| | - Alexandr Perevolotsky
- Russian Institute of Radiology and Agroecology, Kievskoe shosse, 109 km, 49020 Obninsk, Russia
| | - Zhanat Baigazinov
- Institute of Radiation Safety and Ecology, NNC, Kurchatov, Kazakhstan; Institute of Radiochemistry and Radioecology, University of Pannonia, Hungary
| | - Tatiana Perevolotskaya
- Russian Institute of Radiology and Agroecology, Kievskoe shosse, 109 km, 49020 Obninsk, Russia
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16
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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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17
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Johansen MP, Anderson D, Child D, Hotchkis MAC, Tsukada H, Okuda K, Hinton TG. Differentiating Fukushima and Nagasaki plutonium from global fallout using 241Pu/ 239Pu atom ratios: Pu vs. Cs uptake and dose to biota. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 754:141890. [PMID: 32916482 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.141890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Plutonium (Pu) has been released in Japan by two very different types of nuclear events - the 2011 Fukushima accident and the 1945 detonation of a Pu-core weapon at Nagasaki. Here we report on the use of Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) methods to distinguish the FDNPP-accident and Nagasaki-detonation Pu from worldwide fallout in soils and biota. The FDNPP-Pu was distinct in local environmental samples through the use of highly sensitive 241Pu/239Pu atom ratios. In contrast, other typically-used Pu measures (240Pu/239Pu atom ratios, activity concentrations) did not distinguish the FDNPP Pu from background in most 2016 environmental samples. Results indicate the accident contributed new Pu of ~0.4%-2% in the 0-5 cm soils, ~0.3%-3% in earthworms, and ~1%-10% in wild boar near the FDNPP. The uptake of Pu in the boar appears to be relatively uninfluenced by the glassy particle forms of fallout near the FDNPP, whereas the 134,137Cs uptake appears to be highly influenced. Near Nagasaki, the lasting legacy of Pu is greater with high percentages of Pu sourced from the 1945 detonation (~93% soils, ~88% earthworm, ~96% boar). The Pu at Nagasaki contrasts with that from the FDNPP in having proportionately higher 239Pu and was distinguished by both 240Pu/239Pu and 241Pu/239Pu atom ratios. However, compared with the contamination near the Chernobyl accident site, the Pu amounts at all study sites in Japan are orders of magnitude lower. The dose rates from Pu to organisms in the FDNPP and Nagasaki areas, as well as to human consumers of wild boar meat, have been only slightly elevated above background. Our data demonstrate the greater sensitivity of 241Pu/239Pu atom ratios in tracing Pu from nuclear releases and suggest that the Nagasaki-detonation Pu will be distinguishable in the environment for much longer than the FDNPP-accident Pu.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathew P Johansen
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Donovan Anderson
- Institute of Environmental Radioactivity, Fukushima University, 960-1248, Fukushima Prefecture, Fukushima, Kanayagawa, Japan; Symbiotic Systems Science and Technology, Fukushima University, 960-1248, Fukushima Prefecture, Fukushima, Kanayagawa, Japan
| | - David Child
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Hirofumi Tsukada
- Institute of Environmental Radioactivity, Fukushima University, 960-1248, Fukushima Prefecture, Fukushima, Kanayagawa, Japan
| | - Kei Okuda
- Faculty of Human Environmental Studies, Hiroshima Shudo University, 731-3195, Hiroshima Prefecture, Asaminami-ku, Ozuka-higashi, Japan
| | - Thomas G Hinton
- Institute of Environmental Radioactivity, Fukushima University, 960-1248, Fukushima Prefecture, Fukushima, Kanayagawa, Japan; CERAD CoE, Norwegian University of Life sciences, Faculty for Environmental Sciences and Nature Research Management, Aas, Norway
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18
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Antonova EV, Pozolotina VN. Interannual Quality Variability in Motherwort (Leonurus quinquelobatus) Seed Progeny under Chronic Radiation Exposure. RUSS J ECOL+ 2020. [DOI: 10.1134/s1067413620050033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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19
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Vernon EL, Moore MN, Bean TP, Jha AN. Evaluation of interactive effects of phosphorus-32 and copper on marine and freshwater bivalve mollusks. Int J Radiat Biol 2020; 98:1106-1119. [PMID: 32970511 DOI: 10.1080/09553002.2020.1823032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Contaminants seldom occur in isolation in the aquatic environment. While pollution of coastal and inland water bodies has received considerable attention to date, there is limited information on potential interactive effects between radionuclides and metals. Whether by accidental or controlled release, such contaminants co-exist in aquatic ecosystems and can pose an enhanced threat to biota. Using a range of biological responses, the study aimed to evaluate relative interactive effects on representative freshwater and marine bivalve species. METHODS An integrated, multi-biomarker approach was adopted to investigate response to copper (Cu, 18 μg L-1), a known environmentally relevant genotoxic metal and differing concentrations of phosphorus-32 (32P; 0.1 and 1 mGy d-1), alone and in combination in marine (Mytilus galloprovincialis) and freshwater (Dreissena polymorpha) mussels. Genetic and molecular biomarkers were determined post-exposure and included DNA damage (as measured by the comet assay), micronuclei (MN) formation, γ-H2AX foci induction and the expression of key stress-related genes (i.e. hsp70/90, sod, cat, gst). RESULTS Overall, using a tissue-specific (i.e. gill and digestive gland) approach, genotoxic response was reflective of exposures where Cu had a slight additive effect on 32P-induced damage across the species (but not all), cell types and dose rates. Multivariate analysis found significant correlations between comet and γ-H2AX assays, across both the tissues. Transcriptional expression of selected genes were generally unaltered in response to contaminant exposures, independent of species or tissues. CONCLUSIONS Our study is the first to explore the interactive effects of ionizing radiation (IR) and Cu on two bivalve species representing two ecological habitats. The complexity of IR-metal interactions demonstrate that extrapolation of findings obtained from single stressor studies into field conditions could be misrepresentative of real-world environments. In turn, environmental protective strategies deemed suitable in protecting biota from a single, isolated stressor may not be wholly adequate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily L Vernon
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
| | - Michael N Moore
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK.,European Centre for Environment and Human Health (ECEHH), University of Exeter Medical School, Truro, UK.,Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Plymouth, UK
| | | | - Awadhesh N Jha
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
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20
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Ganzha CD, Gudkov DI, Ganzha DD, Nazarov AB. Accumulation and distribution of radionuclides in higher aquatic plants during the vegetation period. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2020; 222:106361. [PMID: 32791374 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2020.106361] [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: 11/16/2017] [Revised: 07/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/18/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The long-term observations of the dynamics of 90Sr and 137Cs concentration, as well as the physicochemical forms of these radionuclides in 10 species of higher aquatic plants during the vegetation period of Glyboke Lake in the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone were presented. The accumulation of radionuclides depends on the influence of environmental factors and species characteristics of the studied plants. It has been shown that the accumulation of 90Sr and 137Cs by plants mainly occurs in accordance with the physiological stages of their development. Under conditions of intensive growth and accumulation of biomass in the juvenile period, plants disproportionately uptake 137Cs from the environment; during the seed ripening period at the stage of aging, plants mainly accumulate 90Sr, as evidenced by the non-correlation of this radionuclide concentration in water and plants in the considered periods. The specific features of the accumulation of radionuclides by plants were studied by the method of analysis of physicochemical forms, which consists in the sequential extraction of radionuclides from plant preparations and makes it possible to quantitatively investigate potentially exchange and fixed forms. The analysis of physicochemical forms confirmed the patterns of seasonal distribution of radionuclides, as well as their accumulation in cells, tissues and in the whole plant obtained from long-term observations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ch D Ganzha
- Department of Aquatic Radioecology, Institute of Hydrobiology of the NAS of Ukraine, Geroiv Stalingradu Ave. 12, 04210, Kyiv, Ukraine.
| | - D I Gudkov
- Department of Aquatic Radioecology, Institute of Hydrobiology of the NAS of Ukraine, Geroiv Stalingradu Ave. 12, 04210, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - D D Ganzha
- Ivano-Frankivsk Department of the Ukrainian Geographical Society, Galytska Str. 201, 76018, Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine
| | - A B Nazarov
- State Specialized Enterprise "Ecocentre", Shkilna Str. 6, 07270, Chornobyl, Ukraine
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21
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Gerke HC, Hinton TG, Takase T, Anderson D, Nanba K, Beasley JC. Radiocesium concentrations and GPS-coupled dosimetry in Fukushima snakes. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 734:139389. [PMID: 32464388 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.139389] [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: 12/30/2019] [Revised: 05/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
One of the largest releases of radioactive contamination in history occurred at Japan's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (FDNPP). Although the accident happened in 2011, questions still persist regarding its ecological impacts. For example, relatively little is known about radiocesium accumulation in snakes, despite their high trophic status, limited home range sizes, and close association with soil where many radionuclides accumulate. This study presents one of the most comprehensive radioecological studies of snakes published to date using a combination of whole-body radiocesium analyses, GPS transmitters, and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dosimeters. The objectives were to: 1) quantify whole-body radiocesium activity concentrations and internal dose rates among several common species of snakes within and around the Fukushima Exclusion Zone (FEZ), 2) determine effects of species, sex, and body size on radiocesium activity concentrations, 3) measure external dose rates using GPS-coupled dosimeters deployed on free-ranging snakes, 4) compare field-derived empirical dose rates to those generated by computer simulation software (i.e., the ERICA tool), and 5) determine if incorporating snake behavior into computer models improve simulated estimates of external dose. Whole-body radiocesium levels for snakes were highly variable among individuals (16 to 25,000 Bq/kg, FW), but were influenced more by levels of local contamination than species, sex, or size. Doses recorded by OSL dosimeters on snakes, as well as modeling in ERICA, suggest that individual movements and behavior have a substantial influence on dose rates to snakes. However, dose estimates produced with ERICA were comparable to dose received by tracked snakes. The average external plus internal dose rate for snakes captured in the FEZ was 3.6-3.9 μGy/h, with external dose contributing 80% to the total. Further research regarding reptile-specific benchmark dose rates would improve risk assessment for reptiles in radiologically contaminated areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah C Gerke
- University of Georgia, Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Aiken, SC 29802, USA; University of Georgia, Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
| | - Thomas G Hinton
- Institute of Environmental Radioactivity, Fukushima University, 960-1248, Kanayagawa, Fukushima Prefecture, Fukushima, Japan; CERAD CoE, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Faculty for Environmental Sciences and Nature Research Management, Aas, Norway
| | - Tsugiko Takase
- Institute of Environmental Radioactivity, Fukushima University, 960-1248, Kanayagawa, Fukushima Prefecture, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Donovan Anderson
- Institute of Environmental Radioactivity, Fukushima University, 960-1248, Kanayagawa, Fukushima Prefecture, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Kenji Nanba
- Institute of Environmental Radioactivity, Fukushima University, 960-1248, Kanayagawa, Fukushima Prefecture, Fukushima, Japan
| | - James C Beasley
- University of Georgia, Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Aiken, SC 29802, USA; University of Georgia, Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, Athens, GA 30602, USA
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22
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Antonova EV, Fuchs J, Röder MS. Influence of Chronic Man-made Pollution on Bromus inermis Genome Size. RUSS J ECOL+ 2020. [DOI: 10.1134/s1067413620040025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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23
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Johansen MP, Child DP, Hotchkis MAC, Johansen A, Thiruvoth S, Whiting SD. Radionuclides in sea turtles at the Montebello Islands former nuclear test sites: Current and historical dose rates for adults and embryos. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 158:111390. [PMID: 32753176 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111390] [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: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Radionuclides from 1950s weapons testing at the Montebello Islands, Western Australia, may impact sea turtle embryos incubating within eggs laid in contaminated sands or be taken up into adult body tissues where they can contribute to radiation dose over a turtles' 60+ year lifespan. We measured plutonium in all local samples including turtle skin, bones, hatchlings, eggshells, sea sediments, diet items and beach sands. The amount of Pu in developing embryos/hatchling samples was orders of magnitude lower than that in the surrounding sands. These contaminated sands caused most dose to eggs (external dose from 137Cs, 152Eu), while most of the dose to adults was from internalised radionuclides (98%). While current dose rates are relatively low, local dose rates were high for about ten years following the 1950s detonations and may have resulted in lethality or health impacts to a generation of turtles that likely carry biomarkers today.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathew P Johansen
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Sydney, Australia.
| | - David P Child
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Andrea Johansen
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Sydney, Australia
| | - Sangeeth Thiruvoth
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Sydney, Australia
| | - Scott D Whiting
- Western Australia Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions, Kensington, Australia
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Beaugelin-Seiller K, Garnier-Laplace J, Della-Vedova C, Métivier JM, Lepage H, Mousseau TA, Møller AP. Dose reconstruction supports the interpretation of decreased abundance of mammals in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone. Sci Rep 2020; 10:14083. [PMID: 32826946 PMCID: PMC7442794 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-70699-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We re-analyzed field data concerning potential effects of ionizing radiation on the abundance of mammals collected in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone (CEZ) to interpret these findings from current knowledge of radiological dose–response relationships, here mammal response in terms of abundance. In line with recent work at Fukushima, and exploiting a census conducted in February 2009 in the CEZ, we reconstructed the radiological dose for 12 species of mammals observed at 161 sites. We used this new information rather than the measured ambient dose rate (from 0.0146 to 225 µGy h−1) to statistically analyze the variation in abundance for all observed species as established from tracks in the snow in previous field studies. All available knowledge related to relevant confounding factors was considered in this re-analysis. This more realistic approach led us to establish a correlation between changes in mammal abundance with both the time elapsed since the last snowfall and the dose rate to which they were exposed. This relationship was also observed when distinguishing prey from predators. The dose rates resulting from our re-analysis are in agreement with exposure levels reported in the literature as likely to induce physiological disorders in mammals that could explain the decrease in their abundance in the CEZ. Our results contribute to informing the Weight of Evidence approach to demonstrate effects on wildlife resulting from its field exposure to ionizing radiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karine Beaugelin-Seiller
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire, Pôle Santé Environnement, PSE-ENV/SRTE, Cadarache, Bâtiment 183, BP3, 13115, Saint Paul lez Durance Cedex, France.
| | - Jacqueline Garnier-Laplace
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire, Pôle Santé Environnement, PSE-ENV, Bâtiment 28, BP 17, 92262, Fontenay-aux-Roses Cedex, France
| | - Claire Della-Vedova
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire, Pôle Santé Environnement, PSE-ENV/SRTE, Cadarache, Bâtiment 183, BP3, 13115, Saint Paul lez Durance Cedex, France
| | - Jean-Michel Métivier
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire, Pôle Santé Environnement, PSE-ENV/SEREN, Cadarache, Bâtiment 153, BP3, 13115, Saint Paul lez Durance Cedex, France
| | - Hugo Lepage
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire, Pôle Santé Environnement, PSE-ENV/SRTE, Cadarache, Bâtiment 183, BP3, 13115, Saint Paul lez Durance Cedex, France
| | - Timothy A Mousseau
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Anders Pape Møller
- Laboratoire d'Ecologie, Systématique et Evolution, CNRS UMR 8079, Université Paris-Sud, Bâtiment 362, 91405, Orsay Cedex, France
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Stuart M, Brinkmann L, Festarini A, Hehn M, Bowman M, Litalien A, Lapointe MC, Rowan D. Assessing effects of legacy nuclear waste on plants: Sensitive fern (Onoclea sensibilis) gametophyte viability at the Chalk River site. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2020; 216:106192. [PMID: 32063557 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2020.106192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Revised: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
We evaluated the effects of chronic exposure to environmental radiological contamination on the reproductive fitness of sensitive fern (Onoclea sensibilis) by quantifying viability in haploid gametophytes of spores collected from ferns from background and contaminated areas of the Chalk River site. Dose rates measured in situ at field sites ranged from 60 to 849 μGy h-1, with effects possible at the more contaminated sites (greater than 400 μGy h-1). Fern spores were also irradiated from 1 to 1000 Gy to develop dose-response curves. We found no effects on gametophyte viability at the most contaminated areas of the Chalk River site, where we estimated growing season doses of 0.3-3.7 Gy. Dose-response curves show evidence of hormesis, with an increase in gametophyte viability up to 10 Gy, followed by a rapid decline to no viable gametophytes at doses of 1000 Gy. The sensitive fern is not a radiosensitive plant species, but effects do occur within the normal range (10-1000 Gy) of most plant species, making it useful as a sentinel species from a community perspective. Sensitive fern spore germination is high and stable over field dose ranges, with effects primarily on gametophyte viability. This method shows promise as an effects monitoring tool for sites with radiological contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilyne Stuart
- Canadian Nuclear Laboratories, 286 Plant Road, Chalk River, Ontario, K0J 1J0, Canada.
| | - Lars Brinkmann
- Canadian Nuclear Laboratories, 286 Plant Road, Chalk River, Ontario, K0J 1J0, Canada
| | - Amy Festarini
- Canadian Nuclear Laboratories, 286 Plant Road, Chalk River, Ontario, K0J 1J0, Canada
| | - Melanie Hehn
- Canadian Nuclear Laboratories, 286 Plant Road, Chalk River, Ontario, K0J 1J0, Canada
| | - Meghan Bowman
- Canadian Nuclear Laboratories, 286 Plant Road, Chalk River, Ontario, K0J 1J0, Canada
| | - Amélie Litalien
- Canadian Nuclear Laboratories, 286 Plant Road, Chalk River, Ontario, K0J 1J0, Canada
| | - Marie-Claude Lapointe
- Canadian Nuclear Laboratories, 286 Plant Road, Chalk River, Ontario, K0J 1J0, Canada
| | - David Rowan
- Canadian Nuclear Laboratories, 286 Plant Road, Chalk River, Ontario, K0J 1J0, Canada
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26
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Vernon EL, Bean TP, Jha AN. Assessing relative biomarker responses in marine and freshwater bivalve molluscs following exposure to phosphorus 32 ( 32P): Application of genotoxicological and molecular biomarkers. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2020; 213:106120. [PMID: 31783294 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2019.106120] [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: 07/26/2019] [Revised: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Anthropogenic radionuclides can enter water bodies through accidental or controlled discharges. In order to assess their potential impact, understanding the link between exposure, tissue specific bioaccumulation and radiation dose rate, to biological or biomarker responses in aquatic biota is required. Adopting an integrated, multi-biomarker, multi-species approach, we have investigated potential biological responses induced by short-lived radionuclide, phosphorus-32 (32P, radiophosphorus) in two ecologically important mussel species, the freshwater Dreissena polymorpha (DP) and marine Mytilus galloprovincialis (MG). Adult individuals were exposed to 32P for 10 days, to acquire nominal whole-body average dose rates of 0.10, 1 and 10 mGy d-1, which encompass a screening value of 10 μGy h-1 (0.24 mGy d-1), in accordance with the ERICA tool. Following exposure, a suite of genotoxic biomarkers (DNA damage, γ-H2AX induction and micronucleus [MN] formation) were measured in gill and digestive gland tissues, along with transcriptional expression of selected stress-related genes in both the species (i.e. hsp70/90, sod, cat and gst). Our results demonstrate the relationship between tissue specific dosimetry, where 32P induced a dose-dependent increase, and biological responses independent of species. Gene expression analysis revealed little significant variation across species or tissues. Overall, MG appeared to be more sensitive to short-term damage (i.e. high DNA damage and γ-H2AX induction), particularly in digestive gland. This study contributes to limited knowledge on the transfer and biological impact of radionuclides within differing aquatic systems on a tissue specific level, aiding the development of adequate management and protective strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily L Vernon
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK
| | - Tim P Bean
- Cefas Weymouth Laboratory, Barrack Road, The Nothe, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8UB, UK
| | - Awadhesh N Jha
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK.
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27
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Shuryak I. Review of resistance to chronic ionizing radiation exposure under environmental conditions in multicellular organisms. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2020; 212:106128. [PMID: 31818732 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2019.106128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Revised: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Ionizing radiation resistance occurs among many phylogenetic groups and its mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Tolerances to acute and chronic irradiation do not always correlate because different mechanisms may be involved. The radioresistance phenomenon becomes even more complex in the field than in the laboratory because the effects of radioactive contamination on natural populations are intertwined with those of other factors, such as bioaccumulation of radionuclides, interspecific competition, seasonal variations in environmental conditions, and land use changes due to evacuation of humans from contaminated areas. Previous reviews of studies performed in radioactive sites like the Kyshtym, Chernobyl, and Fukushima accident regions, and of protracted irradiation experiments, often focused on detecting radiation effects at low doses in radiosensitive organisms. Here we review the literature with a different purpose: to identify organisms with high tolerance to chronic irradiation under environmental conditions, which maintained abundant populations and/or outcompeted more radiosensitive species at high dose rates. Taxa for which consistent evidence for radioresistance came from multiple studies conducted in different locations and at different times were found among plants (e.g. willow and birch trees, sedges), invertebrate and vertebrate animals (e.g. rotifers, some insects, crustaceans and freshwater fish). These organisms are not specialized "extremophiles", but tend to tolerate broad ranges of environmental conditions and stresses, have small genomes, reproduce quickly and/or disperse effectively over long distances. Based on these findings, resistance to radioactive contamination can be examined in a more broad context of chronic stress responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor Shuryak
- Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 630 West 168th Street, VC-11-234/5, New York, NY, USA.
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28
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Beresford NA, Horemans N, Copplestone D, Raines KE, Orizaola G, Wood MD, Laanen P, Whitehead HC, Burrows JE, Tinsley MC, Smith JT, Bonzom JM, Gagnaire B, Adam-Guillermin C, Gashchak S, Jha AN, de Menezes A, Willey N, Spurgeon D. Towards solving a scientific controversy - The effects of ionising radiation on the environment. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2020; 211:106033. [PMID: 31451195 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2019.106033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- N A Beresford
- Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, CEH Lancaster, Lancaster Environment Centre, Library Av., Bailrigg, Lancaster, LA1 4AP, United Kingdom; School of Science, Engineering & Environment, University of Salford, Manchester, M5 4WT, United Kingdom.
| | - N Horemans
- Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK●CEN), Boeretang 200, 2400, Mol, Belgium
| | - D Copplestone
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, FK9 4LA, United Kingdom
| | - K E Raines
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, FK9 4LA, United Kingdom
| | - G Orizaola
- Universidad de Oviedo - Campus de Mieres, Edificio de Investigación 5a Planta, C/ Gonzalo Gutiérrez Quirós s/n, 33600, Mieres-Asturias, Spain
| | - M D Wood
- School of Science, Engineering & Environment, University of Salford, Manchester, M5 4WT, United Kingdom
| | - P Laanen
- Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK●CEN), Boeretang 200, 2400, Mol, Belgium; University of Hasselt, Martelarenlaan 42, 3500, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - H C Whitehead
- School of Science, Engineering & Environment, University of Salford, Manchester, M5 4WT, United Kingdom
| | - J E Burrows
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, FK9 4LA, United Kingdom
| | - M C Tinsley
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, FK9 4LA, United Kingdom
| | - J T Smith
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, PO1 3QL, United Kingdom
| | - J-M Bonzom
- IRSN, Centre de Cadarache, 13115, St Paul Lez Durance, France
| | - B Gagnaire
- IRSN, Centre de Cadarache, 13115, St Paul Lez Durance, France
| | | | - S Gashchak
- Chornobyl Center for Nuclear Safety, Radioactive Waste & Radioecology, International Radioecology Laboratory, 77th Gvardiiska Dyviiya Str.11, P.O. Box 151, 07100, Slavutych, Kiev Region, Ukraine
| | - A N Jha
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, United Kingdom
| | - A de Menezes
- Ryan Institute, School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, Ireland
| | - N Willey
- Centre for Research in Bioscience, Dept. of Applied Sciences, University of the West of England, Frenchay, BS16 1QY, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - D Spurgeon
- Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, OX10 8BB, United Kingdom
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Beaugelin-Seiller K, Della-Vedova C, Garnier-Laplace J. Is non-human species radiosensitivity in the lab a good indicator of that in the field? Making the comparison more robust. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2020; 211:105870. [PMID: 30578084 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2018.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2017] [Revised: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 12/12/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Ecological risk assessment has globally become the basis for environmental decision-making within government and industry for chemical substances. Regarding radioactive substances, recently revised International and European Basic Safety Standards are pushing the development of member state policy on environmental regulation in the field of radiological protection. Within this framework, existing derived effect benchmarks for ionising radiation and non-human species need to be more robust to reinforce their credibility when used as levels of exposure considered to be safe for the environment. Actually, the derivation of such benchmarks has mainly relied on laboratory studies from a limited number of species. Moreover lab species would be apparently less radiosensitive than for example terrestrial wildlife chronically exposed to ionising radiation in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone. Additionally to the results of such comparison that still need to be confirmed, another way to challenge benchmarks is to improve the quality/quantity of radiotoxicity data constituting the basis for a statistically-based comparison. This is the major focus of this paper where we demonstrate through various examples how to make the comparison more robust (i) by analysing the discrepancy between lab and field at the taxonomic level rather than at the ecosystem level, (ii) by extending the knowledge base making use of acute radiotoxicity data, (iii) by identifying environmental factors modifying radiological dose-effect relationship in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Claire Della-Vedova
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), PSE-ENV, SRTE, Cadarache, France
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30
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Beresford NA, Scott EM, Copplestone D. Field effects studies in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone: Lessons to be learnt. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2020; 211:105893. [PMID: 30718022 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2019.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2017] [Revised: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
In the initial aftermath of the 1986 Chernobyl accident there were detrimental effects recorded on wildlife, including, mass mortality of pine trees close to the reactor, reduced pine seed production, reductions in soil invertebrate abundance and diversity and likely death of small mammals. More than 30 years after the Chernobyl accident there is no consensus on the longer-term impact of the chronic exposure to radiation on wildlife in what is now referred to as the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone. Reconciling this lack of consensus is one of the main challenges for radioecology. With the inclusion of environmental protection in, for instance, the recommendations of the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP), we need to be able to incorporate knowledge of the potential effects of radiation on wildlife within the regulatory process (e.g. as a basis on which to define benchmark dose rates). In this paper, we use examples of reported effects on different wildlife groups inhabiting the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone (CEZ) as a framework to discuss potential reasons for the lack of consensus, consider important factors influencing dose rates organisms receive and make some recommendations on good practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- N A Beresford
- Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Lancaster Environment Centre, Library Avenue, Bailrigg, Lancaster, LA1 4AP, UK
| | - E M Scott
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QW, UK
| | - D Copplestone
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, FK9 4LA, UK.
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31
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Real A, Garnier-Laplace J. The importance of deriving adequate wildlife benchmark values to optimize radiological protection in various environmental exposure situations. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2020; 211:105902. [PMID: 30732942 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2019.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Revised: 01/09/2019] [Accepted: 01/25/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The actions to be taken to demonstrate that the environment is adequately protected against the detrimental effects of ionising radiation, and if needed to protect it, must be commensurate with the overall level of risk to non-human biota. To judge the level of risk, the estimated dose rates absorbed by animals and plants need to be compared with dose criteria, a benchmark or reference value. A variety of aspects will influence the final value of the derived benchmark, including: the aim of the application of the benchmark, the protection goals of the assessment, the data on radiation-induced biological effects considered, and the methodology used. Benchmark values have been proposed by several international organizations (UNSCEAR, ICRP, IAEA), countries (USA, Canada) and research projects (ERICA, PROTECT), for different application purposes and protection goals and using a variety of methodologies. This paper describes the aspects that need to be considered in the derivation of numerical benchmarks, the approaches used by different organizations and the benchmark values they have proposed for the radiation protection of the environment. The benchmark values proposed are compared with the dose-rates at which radiation-induced biological effects have been described in animals and plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Almudena Real
- Spanish Research Centre in Energy, Environment and Technology (CIEMAT), Avenida Complutense 40, Madrid, 28040, Spain.
| | - Jacqueline Garnier-Laplace
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), Pôle Santé et Environnement, Cadarache-Batiment 159, BP 3, 13115, Saint-Paul-lez-Durance, France.
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32
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Spurgeon DJ. Higher than … or lower than ….? Evidence for the validity of the extrapolation of laboratory toxicity test results to predict the effects of chemicals and ionising radiation in the field. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2020; 211:105757. [PMID: 29970267 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2018.06.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2017] [Revised: 06/06/2018] [Accepted: 06/27/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Single species laboratory tests and associated species sensitivity distributions (SSDs) that utilise the resulting data can make a key contribution to efforts to prospective hazard assessments for pesticides, biocides, metals and ionising radiation for research and regulatory risk assessment. An assumption that underlies the single species based toxicity testing approach when combined in SSD models is that the assessments of sensitivities to chemical and ionising radiation measured across a range of species in the laboratory can inform on the likely effects on communities present in the field. Potential issues with the validity of this assumption were already recognised by Van Straalen and Denneman (1989) in their landmark paper on the SSD methodology. In this work, they identified eight major factors that could potentially compromise the extrapolation of laboratory toxicity data to the field. Factors covered a range of issues related to differences in chemistry (e.g. bioavailability, mixtures); environmental conditions (optimal, variable), ecological (compensatory, time-scale) and population genetic structure (adaptation, meta-population dynamics). This paper outlines the evidence pertaining to the influence of these different factors on toxicity in the laboratory as compared to the field focussing especially on terrestrial ecosystems. Through radiological and ecotoxicological research, evidence of the influence of each factor on the translation of observed toxicity from the laboratory to field is available in all cases. The importance of some factors, such as differences in chemical bioavailability between laboratory tests and the field and the ubiquity of exposure to mixtures is clearly established and has some relevance to radiological protection. However, other factors such as the differences in test conditions (optimal vs sub-optimal) and the development of tolerance may be relevant on a case by case basis. When SSDs generated from laboratory tests have been used to predict chemical and ionising radiation effects in the field, results have indicated that they may often seem to under-predict impacts, although this may also be due to other factors such as the effects of other non-chemical stressors also affecting communities at polluted sites. A better understanding of the main factors affecting this extrapolation can help to reduce uncertainty during risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Spurgeon
- Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, MacLean Building, Benson Lane, Wallingford, Oxon, OX10 8BB, UK.
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Skoko B, Babić D, Marović G, Papić S. Environmental radiological risk assessment of a coal ash and slag disposal site with the use of the ERICA Tool. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2019; 208-209:106018. [PMID: 31336259 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2019.106018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Revised: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess the environmental radiological risk of coal ash and slag to terrestrial wildlife. The research site used in this study was a disposal site of coal ash and slag with enhaced content of uranium decay chain radionuclides. With the use of the ERICA Tool, total dose rates to wildlife and risk of resultant radiobiological effects were estimated. As input data for the assessment, experimental activity concentrations of 238U, 226Ra and 210Pb in coal ash and slag and best estimates of activity concentrations for related daughter radionuclides and 235U decay chain were used. Where possible, the experimental data for activity concentrations of 238U, 226Ra and 210Pb in plants and related concentration ratios were used. Results were compared to background dose rates, also estimated by the Tool. The Tool's assessment data indicated internal exposure as the prevalent exposure pathway with 226Ra and 210Po as the main dose contributors. Also, the contribution of 235U decay chain to the total dose rate was not negligible since for some organisms it represented up to 11% of the total dose rate. The risk of an occurrence of radiobiological effects in plants on the coal ash and slag disposal site can be considered negligible since the estimated total dose rates were below the screening dose of 10 μGyh-1 and near the dose rates estimated for plants in the control area. However, the estimated dose rates for reference animals and Lichen & Bryophytes were above the screening dose rate for most organisms and on average 13 times higher than the estimated background dose rates. At the given dose rates, an occurrence of different radiobiological effects could not be excluded for animals in close contact with coal ash and slag such as earthworms and small burrowing mammals. A separate assessment performed on an example of reference plants showed that the use of activity concentrations in organisms as input data can result in an order of magnitude smaller estimates of dose rates in comparison to activity concentration in coal and ash as input data. Our study highlighted the need for experimental data in radiological risk assessments to mitigate the conservatism of the ERICA Tool and its tendency to overestimate dose rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Božena Skoko
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska cesta 2, HR-10000, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Dinko Babić
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska cesta 2, HR-10000, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Gordana Marović
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska cesta 2, HR-10000, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Sanja Papić
- University of Zagreb, Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Marulićev trg 19, HR-10000, Zagreb, Croatia
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Lin Y, Couture RM, Klein H, Ytre-Eide MA, Dyve JE, Lind OC, Bartnicki J, Nizzetto L, Butterfield D, Larssen T, Salbu B. Modelling Environmental Impacts of Cesium-137 Under a Hypothetical Release of Radioactive Waste. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2019; 103:69-74. [PMID: 30937495 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-019-02601-5] [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: 12/13/2018] [Accepted: 03/22/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Waste tanks at the nuclear facility located at Sellafield, UK, represent a nuclear source which could release radionuclides to the atmosphere. A model chain which combines atmospheric transport, deposition as well as riverine transport to sea has been developed to predict the riverine activity concentrations of 137Cs. The source term was estimated to be 9 × 104 TBq of 137Cs, or 1% of the assumed total 137Cs inventory of the HAL (Highly Active Liquid) storage tanks. Air dispersion modelling predicted 137Cs deposition reaching 127 kBq m-2 at the Vikedal catchment in Western Norway. Thus, the riverine transport model predicted that the activity concentration of 137Cs in water at the river outlet could reach 9000 Bq m-3 in the aqueous phase and 1000 Bq kg-1 in solid phase at peak level. The lake and river reaches showed different transport patterns due to the buffering effects caused by dilution and slowing down of water velocity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Lin
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research, 0349, Oslo, Norway.
- Centre for Environmental Radioactivity (Centre of Excellence), Norwegian University of Life Sciences NMBU, P.O. Box 5003, 1432, Ås, Norway.
| | - Raoul-Marie Couture
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research, 0349, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Chemistry, Université Laval, Quebec, G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Heiko Klein
- Norwegian Meteorological Institute, Blindern, P.O. Box 43, 0313, Oslo, Norway
- Centre for Environmental Radioactivity (Centre of Excellence), Norwegian University of Life Sciences NMBU, P.O. Box 5003, 1432, Ås, Norway
| | - Martin Album Ytre-Eide
- Norwegian Radiation Protection Authority, Grini Naeringspark 13, 1361, Østerås, Norway
- Centre for Environmental Radioactivity (Centre of Excellence), Norwegian University of Life Sciences NMBU, P.O. Box 5003, 1432, Ås, Norway
| | - Jan Erik Dyve
- Norwegian Radiation Protection Authority, Grini Naeringspark 13, 1361, Østerås, Norway
- Centre for Environmental Radioactivity (Centre of Excellence), Norwegian University of Life Sciences NMBU, P.O. Box 5003, 1432, Ås, Norway
| | - Ole Christian Lind
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences NMBU, P.O. Box 5003, 1432, Ås, Norway
- Centre for Environmental Radioactivity (Centre of Excellence), Norwegian University of Life Sciences NMBU, P.O. Box 5003, 1432, Ås, Norway
| | - Jerzy Bartnicki
- Norwegian Meteorological Institute, Blindern, P.O. Box 43, 0313, Oslo, Norway
- Centre for Environmental Radioactivity (Centre of Excellence), Norwegian University of Life Sciences NMBU, P.O. Box 5003, 1432, Ås, Norway
| | - Luca Nizzetto
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research, 0349, Oslo, Norway
| | | | | | - Brit Salbu
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences NMBU, P.O. Box 5003, 1432, Ås, Norway
- Centre for Environmental Radioactivity (Centre of Excellence), Norwegian University of Life Sciences NMBU, P.O. Box 5003, 1432, Ås, Norway
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Doering C, Carpenter J, Orr B, Urban D. Whole organism concentration ratios in freshwater wildlife from an Australian tropical U mining environment and the derivation of a water radiological quality guideline value. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2019; 198:27-35. [PMID: 30579144 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2018.12.011] [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: 08/05/2018] [Revised: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 12/12/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
More than 10,000 whole organism concentration ratio (CRwo-water) values for freshwater wildlife were derived from radionuclide and stable element data representing an Australian tropical U mining environment. The CRwo-water values were summarised into five wildlife groups (bird, fish, mollusc, reptile and vascular plant). The summarised CRwo-water values represented 77 organism-element combinations. The CRwo-water values for U decay series elements were used in a tier 3 ERICA assessment. The assessment results were used to derive a water radiological quality guideline value (GV) for radiation protection of freshwater ecosystems in the context of the planned remediation of the Ranger U mine. The GV was an above-background water 226Ra activity concentration of 14 mBq L-1 (filtered fraction) or approximately 22 mBq L-1 (total fraction). The GV was based on the results of mollusc-bivalve as the limiting organism for the freshwater ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Che Doering
- Environmental Research Institute of the Supervising Scientist (ERISS), GPO Box 461, Darwin, NT, 0801, Australia.
| | - Julia Carpenter
- Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA), 619 Lower Plenty Road, Yallambie, VIC, 3085, Australia
| | - Blake Orr
- Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA), 619 Lower Plenty Road, Yallambie, VIC, 3085, Australia
| | - David Urban
- Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA), 619 Lower Plenty Road, Yallambie, VIC, 3085, Australia
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Maystrenko T, Gruzdev B, Belykh E, Rybak A. The succession of the plant community on a decontaminated radioactive meadow site. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2018; 192:687-697. [PMID: 29571956 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2017.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2017] [Revised: 12/19/2017] [Accepted: 12/20/2017] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Long-term observation of the succession in a plant community is considered a fundamental unit used to investigate the expected consequences of soil contamination by radionuclides and to understand restoration of technogeneously disturbed ecosystems. The development of arboreal willow meadow under remediation of a radioactively contaminated site has been studied for half a century. Succession stages in the formation of the de novo community were noted. Changes in the floristic composition, soil structure as well as radionuclide activity concentrations in topsoil were registered on each step. Technical recultivation of the area including covering radioactive wastes with a mixture of sand and gravel led to lower the radiation levels and was suitable for decontamination during first 5-8 years. This allowed the community to develop with maximal effectiveness on the initial steps. Than the covering layer lost its barrier functions but no adverse effects at dose rates up to 150 μGy/h on completion of the community formation were registered. Radioecological conditions and changes in the plant community development were registered simultaneously on the area studied that makes possible to follow main doseforming radionuclides migration and to determine main steps of the succession. The study results is a practical demonstration that edaphic niches, climatic conditions and сoenotic relationships between plants play a more important role in the evolution of the studied community than the contamination type and radiation exposure levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Maystrenko
- Institute of Biology, Komi Scientific Center, Ural Division RAS, Kommunisticheskaya 28, 167982 Syktyvkar, Russia.
| | - B Gruzdev
- Institute of Biology, Komi Scientific Center, Ural Division RAS, Kommunisticheskaya 28, 167982 Syktyvkar, Russia
| | - E Belykh
- Institute of Biology, Komi Scientific Center, Ural Division RAS, Kommunisticheskaya 28, 167982 Syktyvkar, Russia
| | - A Rybak
- Institute of Biology, Komi Scientific Center, Ural Division RAS, Kommunisticheskaya 28, 167982 Syktyvkar, Russia
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Rosén K, Lenoir L, Stark K, Vinichuk M, Sundell-Bergman S. Transfer of radionuclides and dose assessment to ants and anthills in a Swedish forest ecosystem. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2018; 190-191:97-104. [PMID: 29775843 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2018.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2018] [Revised: 05/02/2018] [Accepted: 05/03/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
In forest ecosystems soil organisms are important for immobilization, translocation and recycling of radionuclides. Still, there is a lack of studies on the role of insects such as ants in the turnover of radionuclides and how radioactivity affects an ant community. In this study seven anthills were sampled in an area that was heavily contaminated after the fallout from the Chernobyl accident. Samples of ant and anthill materials were taken from different depths of the anthills as well as from the surrounding soil and the activity concentrations of 137Cs were determined. In addition, a radiation dose assessment was performed for ants and anthills using the ERICA tool. The deposition of 137Cs in 1986 in the study area was calculated back to be on average 110,500 Bq m-2. The averaged data for all the seven locations investigated indicate that the level of 137Cs activity concentrations in the anthill's material increased with depth of the anthill being highest at the depth 50-65 cm. The concentration in the upper layers (0-2 cm) and of the ants showed significant correlations with the deposition upon multivariate analysis. The concentration ratio (CR) defined as the ratio between the mass activity for 137Cs density in ants (Bq kg-1 d.w.) and mass activity density in soil (Bq kg-1 d.w.) was determined to be in the range of 0.04-0.14. Also, the transfer factor (TF) defined as the ratio between the mass activity for 137Cs density in ant (Bq kg-1 d.w.) and to the unit area activity density (in Bq m-2 d.w.) was determined for 137Cs to be 0.0015 m2 kg-1 d.w. The assessed radiation doses were found to be a 4.9 μGy h-1 which is below international reference levels for non-human biota.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Rosén
- Department of Soil and Environment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SLU, Box 7014, SE-750 07, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - L Lenoir
- Brunnvalla 401, SE-740 45, Tärnsjö, Sweden
| | - K Stark
- Swedish Radiation Safety Authority, SSM, SE-171 16, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - M Vinichuk
- Department of Ecology, Zhytomyr State Technological University, 103 Chernyakhovsky Str., 10005, Zhytomyr, Ukraine
| | - S Sundell-Bergman
- Department of Soil and Environment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SLU, Box 7014, SE-750 07, Uppsala, Sweden
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Vandenhove H, Bradshaw C, Beresford NA, Vives I Batlle J, Real A, Garnier-Laplace J. ALLIANCE perspectives on integration of humans and the environment into the system of radiological protection. Ann ICRP 2018; 47:285-297. [PMID: 29671613 DOI: 10.1177/0146645318756831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Risks posed by the presence of radionuclides in the environment require an efficient, balanced, and adaptable assessment for protecting exposed humans and wildlife, and managing the associated radiological risk. Exposure of humans and wildlife originate from the same sources releasing radionuclides to the environment. Environmental concentrations of radionuclides serve as inputs to estimate the dose to man, fauna, and flora, with transfer processes being, in essence, similar, which calls for a common use of transport models. Dose estimates are compared with the radiological protection criteria for humans and wildlife, such as those developed by the International Commission on Radiological Protection. This indicates a similarity in the approaches for impact assessment in humans and wildlife, although some elements are different (e.g. the protection endpoint for humans is stochastic effects on individuals, whereas for wildlife, it is deterministic effects on species and ecosystems). Human and environmental assessments are consistent and complementary in terms of how they are conducted and in terms of the underlying databases (where appropriate). Not having an integrated approach may cause difficulties for operators and regulators, for communication to stakeholders, and may even hamper decision making. For optimised risk assessment and management, the impact from non-radiation contaminants and stressors should also be considered. Both in terms of the underlying philosophy and the application via appropriate tools, the European Radioecology Alliance (ALLIANCE) upholds that integration of human and ecological impact and risk assessment is recommended from several perspectives (e.g. chemical/radiological risks).
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Affiliation(s)
- H Vandenhove
- a SCK•CEN, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre, Environment Health and Safety, Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium
| | | | - N A Beresford
- c NERC Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Lancaster Environment Centre, UK
| | - J Vives I Batlle
- a SCK•CEN, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre, Environment Health and Safety, Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium
| | - A Real
- d CIEMAT Centre for Research in Energy, Environment and Technology, Spain
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Doering C, Medley P, Orr B, Urban D. Whole organism to tissue concentration ratios derived from an Australian tropical dataset. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2018; 189:31-39. [PMID: 29573589 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2018.03.002] [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: 09/12/2017] [Revised: 02/22/2018] [Accepted: 03/05/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Whole organism to tissue concentration ratios (CRwo-tissue) were derived for six wildlife groups (freshwater birds, freshwater bivalves, freshwater fishes, freshwater reptiles, freshwater vascular plants and terrestrial mammals). The wildlife groups and data represented species common to tropical northern Australia. Values of CRwo-tissue were derived for between 6 and 34 elements, depending upon wildlife group. The values were generally similar to international reference values. However, differences for some element-tissue combinations could affect radiation dose estimates for wildlife in certain environmental exposure situations, including uranium mining, where these data are intended to be applied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Che Doering
- Environmental Research Institute of the Supervising Scientist (ERISS), GPO Box 461, Darwin, NT, 0801, Australia.
| | - Peter Medley
- Environmental Research Institute of the Supervising Scientist (ERISS), GPO Box 461, Darwin, NT, 0801, Australia
| | - Blake Orr
- Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA), 619 Lower Plenty Road, Yallambie, VIC, 3085, Australia
| | - David Urban
- Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA), 619 Lower Plenty Road, Yallambie, VIC, 3085, Australia
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40
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Tagami K, Uchida S, Wood MD, Beresford NA. Radiocaesium transfer and radiation exposure of frogs in Fukushima Prefecture. Sci Rep 2018; 8:10662. [PMID: 30006621 PMCID: PMC6045648 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-28866-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2017] [Accepted: 06/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The International Commission on Radiological Protection has proposed an environmental assessment framework. This includes ionising radiation exposure assessment for different frog life-stages, but radiocaesium transfer parameters are unavailable. We collate data from the Fukushima Prefecture (contaminated by the Fukushima accident) and estimate radiocaesium concentration ratio (CRwo-water) values for tadpoles and adult frogs, presenting the largest available amphibian CRwo-water dataset. In total, 513 adult frogs and 2540 tadpoles were analysed in 62 and 59 composite samples respectively. Results suggest that equilibrium was reached between water and amphibian radiocaesium activity concentrations circa one-year after the accident. Radiocaesium transfer to tadpoles was higher than to adult frogs. Dose rates were estimated for different life-stages and species in both the aquatic and terrestrial environment. Estimated dose rates to adults and tadpoles were typically similar because external exposure dominated for both organisms; frogspawn dose rates were estimated to be orders of magnitude lower than other life-stages. For the two sites assessed, which were outside of the most contaminated areas of the Fukushima Prefecture, estimated dose rates were below those anticipated to present a risk to wildlife populations; it is likely that dose rates in more contaminated areas were in excess of some effects benchmark values.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keiko Tagami
- National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology, Anagawa 4-9-1, Inage-ku, Chiba, 263-8555, Japan
| | - Shigeo Uchida
- National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology, Anagawa 4-9-1, Inage-ku, Chiba, 263-8555, Japan
| | - Michael D Wood
- School of Environment & Life Sciences, University of Salford, Manchester, M4 4WT, UK
| | - Nicholas A Beresford
- School of Environment & Life Sciences, University of Salford, Manchester, M4 4WT, UK.
- Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Lancaster Environment Center, Library Av., Bailrigg, Lancaster, LA14AP, UK.
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Vives I Batlle J, Aoyama M, Bradshaw C, Brown J, Buesseler KO, Casacuberta N, Christl M, Duffa C, Impens NREN, Iosjpe M, Masqué P, Nishikawa J. Marine radioecology after the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear accident: Are we better positioned to understand the impact of radionuclides in marine ecosystems? THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 618:80-92. [PMID: 29127871 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2017] [Revised: 11/01/2017] [Accepted: 11/01/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
This paper focuses on how a community of researchers under the COMET (CO-ordination and iMplementation of a pan European projecT for radioecology) project has improved the capacity of marine radioecology to understand at the process level the behaviour of radionuclides in the marine environment, uptake by organisms and the resulting doses after the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear accident occurred in 2011. We present new radioecological understanding of the processes involved, such as the interaction of waterborne radionuclides with suspended particles and sediments or the biological uptake and turnover of radionuclides, which have been better quantified and mathematically described. We demonstrate that biokinetic models can better represent radionuclide transfer to biota in non-equilibrium situations, bringing more realism to predictions, especially when combining physical, chemical and biological interactions that occur in such an open and dynamic environment as the ocean. As a result, we are readier now than we were before the FDNPP accident in terms of having models that can be applied to dynamic situations. The paper concludes with our vision for marine radioecology as a fundamental research discipline and we present a strategy for our discipline at the European and international levels. The lessons learned are presented along with their possible applicability to assess/reduce the environmental consequences of future accidents to the marine environment and guidance for future research, as well as to assure the sustainability of marine radioecology. This guidance necessarily reflects on why and where further research funding is needed, signalling the way for future investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Vives I Batlle
- Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK•CEN), Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium.
| | - M Aoyama
- Institute of Environmental Radioactivity, Fukushima University, Fukushima 960-1296, Japan
| | - C Bradshaw
- Department of Ecology, Environment, and Plant Sciences, Stockholm University, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - J Brown
- Norwegian Radiation Protection Authority (NRPA), Department of Emergency Preparedness and Environmental Radioactivity, Grini Næringspark 13, Postbox 55, NO-1332, Østerås, Norway
| | - K O Buesseler
- Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA 02543, United States
| | - N Casacuberta
- Laboratory of Ion Beam Physics, ETH-Zurich, Otto Stern Weg 5, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland; Institute of Biogeochemistry and Pollutant Dynamics, Environmental Physics, ETH-Zurich, Universitätstrasse 16, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - M Christl
- Laboratory of Ion Beam Physics, ETH-Zurich, Otto Stern Weg 5, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - C Duffa
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sureté Nucléaire (IRSN), Centre de Cadarache, 13115 St Paul Lez Durance, France
| | - N R E N Impens
- Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK•CEN), Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium
| | - M Iosjpe
- Norwegian Radiation Protection Authority (NRPA), Department of Emergency Preparedness and Environmental Radioactivity, Grini Næringspark 13, Postbox 55, NO-1332, Østerås, Norway
| | - P Masqué
- School of Science and Centre for Marine Ecosystems Research, Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, WA 6027, Australia; Departament de Física & Institut de Ciència i Tecnologia Ambientals, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - J Nishikawa
- School of Marine Science and Technology, Tokai University, Shizuoka 424-8610, Japan
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Aramrun P, Beresford NA, Wood MD. Selecting passive dosimetry technologies for measuring the external dose of terrestrial wildlife. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2018; 182:128-137. [PMID: 29227874 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2017.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2017] [Revised: 11/29/2017] [Accepted: 12/04/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Dosimeters attached to wild animals can be used to validate regulatory assessment approaches and models for estimating radiation exposure of wild animals. Such measurements are also necessary to ensure that robust dose-effect relationships can be developed from the results of field research programmes. This paper presents the first comprehensive evaluation of the different dosimetry technologies available for specifically measuring the external exposure of wildlife. Guidance is provided on the selection of appropriate passive dosimetry approaches for directly measuring external exposure of terrestrial wildlife under field conditions. The characteristics and performance of four available dosimetry technologies (thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD), optically stimulated luminescent dosimeter (OSLD), radiophotoluminescent dosimeter (RPLD) and direct ion storage, (DIS)) are reviewed. Dosimeter properties, detection limit and dose range, study organisms and the intended application are variables that need to be considered when selecting a suitable dosimetry technology. Evaluated against these criteria, it is suggested that LiF based and Al2O3:C TLDs, OSLD and RPLD could all be used to estimate doses to wildlife. However, only LiF based TLDs have been used to directly measure wildlife doses in field studies to date. DIS is only suitable for comparatively large species (e.g. medium to large mammals), but has the advantage that temporal variation in dose can be recorded. In all cases, dosimeter calibration is required to ensure that the dose measurements reported can be interpreted appropriately for the organisms of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phakphum Aramrun
- School of Environment and Life Science, University of Salford, Manchester, M4 4WT, UK.
| | - Nicholas A Beresford
- School of Environment and Life Science, University of Salford, Manchester, M4 4WT, UK; NERC Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Lancaster Environment Centre Library Av., Bailrigg, Lancaster, LA14AP, UK
| | - Michael D Wood
- School of Environment and Life Science, University of Salford, Manchester, M4 4WT, UK
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43
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Antonova EV, Korchagina OS. Microsatellite loci variability in the ural population of Silene latifolia (caryophyllaceae). BIOL BULL+ 2017. [DOI: 10.1134/s1062359017050028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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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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Lourenço J, Mendo S, Pereira R. Radioactively contaminated areas: Bioindicator species and biomarkers of effect in an early warning scheme for a preliminary risk assessment. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2016; 317:503-542. [PMID: 27343869 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2016.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2016] [Revised: 05/26/2016] [Accepted: 06/08/2016] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Concerns about the impacts on public health and on the natural environment have been raised regarding the full range of operational activities related to uranium mining and the rest of the nuclear fuel cycle (including nuclear accidents), nuclear tests and depleted uranium from military ammunitions. However, the environmental impacts of such activities, as well as their ecotoxicological/toxicological profile, are still poorly studied. Herein, it is discussed if organisms can be used as bioindicators of human health effects, posed by lifetime exposure to radioactively contaminated areas. To do so, information was gathered from several studies performed on vertebrates, invertebrate species and humans, living in these contaminated areas. The retrieved information was compared, to determine which are the most used bioindicators and biomarkers and also the similarities between human and non-human biota responses. The data evaluated are used to support the proposal for an early warning scheme, based on bioindicator species and on the most sensitive and commonly shared biomarkers, to perform a screening evaluation of radioactively contaminated sites. This scheme could be used to support decision-making for a deeper evaluation of risks to human health, making it possible to screen a large number of areas, without disturbing and alarming local populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Lourenço
- Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Sónia Mendo
- Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Ruth Pereira
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences of the University of Porto & CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research & GreenUP/CITAB-UP, Porto, Portugal
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Batlle JVI, Sweeck L, Wannijn J, Vandenhove H. Environmental risks of radioactive discharges from a low-level radioactive waste disposal site at Dessel, Belgium. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2016; 162-163:263-278. [PMID: 27299850 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2016.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2016] [Revised: 06/01/2016] [Accepted: 06/03/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The potential radiological impact of releases from a low-level radioactive waste (Category A waste) repository in Dessel, Belgium on the local fauna and flora was assessed under a reference scenario for gradual leaching. The potential impact situations for terrestrial and aquatic fauna and flora considered in this study were soil contamination due to irrigation with contaminated groundwater from a well at 70 m from the repository, contamination of the local wetlands receiving the highest radionuclide flux after migration through the aquifer and contamination of the local river receiving the highest radionuclide flux after migration through the aquifer. In addition, an exploratory study was carried out for biota residing in the groundwater. All impact assessments were performed using the Environmental Risk from Ionising Contaminants: Assessment and Management (ERICA) tool. For all scenarios considered, absorbed dose rates to biota were found to be well below the ERICA 10 μGy h-1 screening value. The highest dose rates were observed for the scenario where soil was irrigated with groundwater from the vicinity of the repository. For biota residing in the groundwater well, a few dose rates were slightly above the screening level but significantly below the dose rates at which the smallest effects are observed for those relevant species or groups of species. Given the conservative nature of the assessment, it can be concluded that manmade radionuclides deposited into the environment by the near surface disposal of category A waste at Dessel do not have a significant radiological impact to wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Vives I Batlle
- Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK·CEN), Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium.
| | - L Sweeck
- Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK·CEN), Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium
| | - J Wannijn
- Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK·CEN), Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium
| | - H Vandenhove
- Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK·CEN), Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium
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Vives I Batlle J. Impact of the Fukushima accident on marine biota, five years later. INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT 2016; 12:654-658. [PMID: 27447852 DOI: 10.1002/ieam.1825] [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: 05/11/2016] [Revised: 07/11/2016] [Accepted: 07/21/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
In a previous commentary written in 2011 in the aftermath of the Fukushima accident in Japan, I summarized what was then understood about the effects of accidental radioactive discharges to marine life and forecasted into the future how the marine environment would likely be affected. Since that time, several studies have been conducted on the impact of the accident on marine organisms, and radiation doses arising thereof. I developed a dynamic transfer model for studying the bioaccumulation of Fukushima radionuclides in marine biota and assessed the impact and likelihood of effects to marine life. In the present article, I highlight the lessons learned over the past 5 years. I address whether the environmental consequences in the marine environment are as significant as initially feared and, with respect to the current situation, what remains to be investigated as the radioactivity continues to spread in the marine environment. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2016;12:654-658. © 2016 SETAC.
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Stuart M, Festarini A, Schleicher K, Tan E, Kim SB, Wen K, Gawlik J, Ulsh B. Biological effects of tritium on fish cells in the concentration range of international drinking water standards. Int J Radiat Biol 2016; 92:563-71. [DOI: 10.1080/09553002.2016.1222090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Amy Festarini
- Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL), Chalk River, Canada
| | | | | | - Sang Bog Kim
- Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL), Chalk River, Canada
| | - Kendall Wen
- Deep River Science Academy, Chalk River, Canada
| | | | - Brant Ulsh
- M. H. Chew & Associates, Inc., Cincinnati, OH, USA
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Brown JE, Alfonso B, Avila R, Beresford NA, Copplestone D, Hosseini A. A new version of the ERICA tool to facilitate impact assessments of radioactivity on wild plants and animals. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2016; 153:141-148. [PMID: 26773508 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2015.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2015] [Revised: 12/08/2015] [Accepted: 12/08/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
A new version of the ERICA Tool (version 1.2) was released in November 2014; this constitutes the first major update of the Tool since release in 2007. The key features of the update are presented in this article. Of particular note are new transfer databases extracted from an international compilation of concentration ratios (CRwo-media) and the modification of 'extrapolation' approaches used to select transfer data in cases where information is not available. Bayesian updating approaches have been used in some cases to draw on relevant information that would otherwise have been excluded in the process of deriving CRwo-media statistics. All of these efforts have in turn led to the requirement to update Environmental Media Concentration Limits (EMCLs) used in Tier 1 assessments. Some of the significant changes with regard to EMCLs are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- J E Brown
- Norwegian Radiation Protection Authority, Department of Emergency Preparedness and Environmental Radioactivity, Grini næringspark 13 Postbox 55, NO-1332, Østerås, Norway.
| | - B Alfonso
- Facilia AB, Gustavslundsvägen 151C, 167 51, Bromma, Sweden
| | - R Avila
- Facilia AB, Gustavslundsvägen 151C, 167 51, Bromma, Sweden
| | - N A Beresford
- NERC Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Lancaster Environment Center, Library Av., Bailrigg, Lancaster, LA14AP, UK
| | - D Copplestone
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, FK9 4LA, UK
| | - A Hosseini
- Norwegian Radiation Protection Authority, Department of Emergency Preparedness and Environmental Radioactivity, Grini næringspark 13 Postbox 55, NO-1332, Østerås, Norway
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Horiguchi T, Yoshii H, Mizuno S, Shiraishi H. Decline in intertidal biota after the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami and the Fukushima nuclear disaster: field observations. Sci Rep 2016; 6:20416. [PMID: 26842814 PMCID: PMC4740796 DOI: 10.1038/srep20416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2015] [Accepted: 01/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In 2011, 2012, and 2013, in the intertidal zones of eastern Japan, we investigated the ecological effects of the severe accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant that accompanied the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami. The number of intertidal species decreased significantly with decreasing distance from the power plant, and no rock shell (Thais clavigera) specimens were collected near the plant, from Hirono to Futaba Beach (a distance of approximately 30 km) in 2012. The collection of rock shell specimens at many other sites hit by the tsunami suggests that the absence of rock shells around the plant in 2012 might have been caused by the nuclear accident in 2011. Quantitative surveys in 2013 showed that the number of species and population densities in the intertidal zones were much lower at sites near, or within several kilometers south of, the plant than at other sites and lower than in 1995, especially in the case of Arthropoda. There is no clear explanation for these findings, but it is evident that the intertidal biota around the power plant has been affected since the nuclear accident.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshihiro Horiguchi
- Center for Environmental Risk Research, National Institute for Environmental Studies, 16-2, Onogawa, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8506, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Yoshii
- Research Center for Radiation Emergency Medicine, National Institute of Radiological Sciences, Chiba, Chiba 263-8555, Japan
| | - Satoshi Mizuno
- Nuclear Power Safety Division, Fukushima Prefectural Government, Fukushima, Fukushima 960-8670, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Shiraishi
- Center for Environmental Risk Research, National Institute for Environmental Studies, 16-2, Onogawa, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8506, Japan
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