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Boglaienko D, Hall GB, D'Annunzio NL, Levitskaia TG. Ruthenium speciation and distribution in the environment: A review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 951:175629. [PMID: 39159690 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.175629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2024] [Revised: 08/10/2024] [Accepted: 08/16/2024] [Indexed: 08/21/2024]
Abstract
The review focuses on speciation and migration of anthropogenic ruthenium (Ru) originated from nuclear industry releases and presents updated information regarding Ru in the environment. It provides analysis of the main pathways of Ru species distribution in the aqueous and terrestrial environment, starting from its natural occurrence, generation and release from anthropogenic sources, predominant speciation, and ending with bioaccumulation, which can be directly or indirectly related to human health. Literature sources belonging to the post-Chernobyl time frame were preferentially considered, in which Ru-103 and Ru-106 are the major fission isotopes studied due to their traceability in the environment and their relatively long half-lives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria Boglaienko
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, 902 Battelle Boulevard, Richland, WA 99354, United States of America.
| | - Gabriel B Hall
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, 902 Battelle Boulevard, Richland, WA 99354, United States of America
| | - Nicolas L D'Annunzio
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, 902 Battelle Boulevard, Richland, WA 99354, United States of America
| | - Tatiana G Levitskaia
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, 902 Battelle Boulevard, Richland, WA 99354, United States of America.
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Ylönen M, Roivainen P, Naarala J, Akkanen J. Distribution and in situ bioaccumulation test of radioecologically relevant metals in boreal freshwater sediments. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 954:176696. [PMID: 39366574 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.176696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2024] [Revised: 08/28/2024] [Accepted: 10/01/2024] [Indexed: 10/06/2024]
Abstract
Sediments act as important sinks for metals and their radionuclides in aquatic environments and play a crucial role in their transfer and uptake to aquatic organisms. Traditional radioecological models use radionuclide concentrations in water to predict concentrations in aquatic organisms. In this study, we investigated the distribution of radioecologically important metals (Ba, Co, Ni, Sr, U) among sediment, porewater and hypolimnion over seasons. We also studied the uptake of these metals to benthic organisms and importance of sediment as an uptake source by conducting a 28-day in situ bioaccumulation experiment with oligochaete worms (Lumbriculus variegatus). The studied metals were chosen based on common occurrence of their radioactive isotopes in nuclear fuel cycle. Measurements of total elemental concentration were used as proxies to study the behavior of specific radionuclides. Sediment and water samples were collected from two small lakes connected to a former uranium mine in Eastern Finland, and from a nearby reference lake connected to a different drainage area. Environmental characteristics and concentrations measured from sediment, porewater and overlying water indicated only minor changes between seasons. Measured metals were highly associated with sediment particles, rather than porewater or hypolimnion. Both the distribution of metals and in situ experiment indicated the importance of sediment as the main source of bioaccumulation. Significant differences in Ba, Ni and U concentrations between treatments containing contaminated sediment and reference sediment were noted, regardless of water concentrations. Additionally, as U contaminated lakes lacked seasonal overturn during our monitoring period, metal distribution and environmental conditions remained unchanged in deeper parts of those lakes. Lastly, the results of this in situ bioaccumulation experiment are in line with the findings of our previous laboratory study using sediments from these same lakes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marko Ylönen
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, PO Box 111, FI-80101 Joensuu, Finland.
| | - Päivi Roivainen
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, PO Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jonne Naarala
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, PO Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jarkko Akkanen
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, PO Box 111, FI-80101 Joensuu, Finland
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Wada T, Suzuki S, Kanasashi T, Nanba K. Distinct food-web transfers of 137Cs to fish in river and lake ecosystems: A case study focusing on masu salmon in the Fukushima evacuation zone. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2024; 280:107541. [PMID: 39317062 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2024.107541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2024] [Revised: 09/09/2024] [Accepted: 09/10/2024] [Indexed: 09/26/2024]
Abstract
This study was conducted to elucidate the spatial and size variations, and food-web transfer of 137Cs in freshwater fish in the upper reaches of the Ukedo River system, a highly contaminated river system flowing through the Fukushima evacuation zone. Fish collection and environmental surveys were conducted in the summer of 2020 at five forest rivers and at the Ogaki Dam reservoir (an artificial lake) with different air dose rates (mean 0.20-3.32 μSv/h). From the river sites, two salmonid species (masu salmon and white-spotted charr) were sampled, with masu salmon generally exhibiting higher 137Cs concentrations, ranging widely (10.6 Bq/kg-wet to 13.0 kBq/kg-wet) depending on the fish size (size effect) and site. The 137Cs concentrations in masu salmon were explained by the air dose rates, 137Cs concentrations in water, sediments (excluding the lake site), and primary producers, with site-specific variations. In the rivers, masu salmon (fluvial type with parr marks) mainly fed on terrestrial insects with higher 137Cs concentrations compared with those of aquatic insects, indicating that 137Cs was transferred mainly to fish through the allochthonous forest food-web during summer. In the lake, masu salmon (lake-run type with larger size and silvery body coloration) mainly preyed on smaller fish with lower 137Cs concentrations, demonstrating that 137Cs is transferred to fish through the autochthonous lake food-web with biomagnification. Differences in 137Cs concentrations among masu salmon (mean 441 Bq/kg-wet) and other fish species (mean 74.8 Bq/kg-wet to 2.35 kBq/kg-wet) were also found in the lake. The distinct 137Cs transfers to river and lake fish were supported by stable isotope analysis: δ15N and δ13C values enriched stepwisely through the food-webs were, respectively, higher and lower in the lake. Our results obtained using multiple approaches clearly revealed the distinct food-web transfer of 137Cs in river and lake ecosystems. These findings can contribute to prediction of radioactive contamination in freshwater fish in the Fukushima evacuation zone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshihiro Wada
- Institute of Environmental Radioactivity, Fukushima University, Fukushima, Fukushima 960-1296, Japan.
| | - Shingo Suzuki
- Faculty of Symbiotic Systems Science, Fukushima University, Fukushima, Fukushima 960-1296, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Kanasashi
- Institute of Environmental Radioactivity, Fukushima University, Fukushima, Fukushima 960-1296, Japan
| | - Kenji Nanba
- Institute of Environmental Radioactivity, Fukushima University, Fukushima, Fukushima 960-1296, Japan; Faculty of Symbiotic Systems Science, Fukushima University, Fukushima, Fukushima 960-1296, Japan
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Ammar A, Nouira A, El Mouridi Z, Boughribil S. Recent trends in the phytoremediation of radionuclide contamination of soil by cesium and strontium: Sources, mechanisms and methods: A comprehensive review. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 359:142273. [PMID: 38750727 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142273] [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: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
This comprehensive review examines recent trends in phytoremediation strategies to address soil radionuclide contamination by cesium (Cs) and strontium (Sr). Radionuclide contamination, resulting from natural processes and nuclear-related activities such as accidents and the operation of nuclear facilities, poses significant risks to the environment and human health. Cs and Sr, prominent radionuclides involved in nuclear accidents, exhibit chemical properties that contribute to their toxicity, including easy uptake, high solubility, and long half-lives. Phytoremediation is emerging as a promising and environmentally friendly approach to mitigate radionuclide contamination by exploiting the ability of plants to extract toxic elements from soil and water. This review focuses specifically on the removal of 90Sr and 137Cs, addressing their health risks and environmental implications. Understanding the mechanisms governing plant uptake of radionuclides is critical and is influenced by factors such as plant species, soil texture, and physicochemical properties. Phytoremediation not only addresses immediate contamination challenges but also provides long-term benefits for ecosystem restoration and sustainable development. By improving soil health, biodiversity, and ecosystem resilience, phytoremediation is in line with global sustainability goals and environmental protection initiatives. This review aims to provide insights into effective strategies for mitigating environmental hazards associated with radionuclide contamination and to highlight the importance of phytoremediation in environmental remediation efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayyoub Ammar
- Laboratory of Virology, Microbiology, Quality and Biotechnology /Eco-toxicology and Biodiversity (LVMQB/EB), Faculty of Sciences and Techniques Mohammedia, University Hassan II, Casablanca, Morocco; National Center for Energy, Sciences, and Nuclear Techniques (CNESTEN), Rabat, Morocco; Laboratory of Environment and Conservation of Natural Resources, National Institute of Agronomique Research (INRA), Rabat, Morocco.
| | - Asmae Nouira
- National Center for Energy, Sciences, and Nuclear Techniques (CNESTEN), Rabat, Morocco
| | - Zineb El Mouridi
- Laboratory of Environment and Conservation of Natural Resources, National Institute of Agronomique Research (INRA), Rabat, Morocco
| | - Said Boughribil
- Laboratory of Virology, Microbiology, Quality and Biotechnology /Eco-toxicology and Biodiversity (LVMQB/EB), Faculty of Sciences and Techniques Mohammedia, University Hassan II, Casablanca, Morocco
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Czerski P, Gembal M, Warenik-Bany M. Caesium-137 in the muscles of game animals in 2015-2022 - levels and time trend. J Vet Res 2024; 68:263-270. [PMID: 38947154 PMCID: PMC11210354 DOI: 10.2478/jvetres-2024-0026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Radioactive caesium-137 occurring in the environment may be taken up by plants and animals and pose a trophic threat to humans. Game animals living in forest ecosystems are very good bioindicators of the level of environmental contamination by ionising radiation. The main species measurably exposed to caesium-137 are the wild boar (Sus scrofa), the roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), and the red deer (Cervus elaphus). The study determined the levels of Cs-137 in muscle samples of these game animals in 2015-2022. Material and Methods Using gamma radiation spectrometry, 858 samples of game animal muscle tissue were examined: 508 wild boar, 145 roe deer and 205 red deer samples. Results Concentrations of Cs-137 varied widely (from minimum detectable activity (MDA) values to over 4,000 Bq/kg). In 63.4% of cases, the obtained concentrations exceeded the MDA. The permissible limit (600 Bq/kg for food) was exceeded in nine wild boar muscle samples, whereas it was not even exceeded once in roe or red deer muscle. The average concentration in wild boar was three times higher than in roe and red deer and amounted to 42.84 Bq/kg. The highest concentration of Cs-137 in wild boar muscle was 4,195 ± 372.0 Bq/kg, in roe deer muscle it was 111.5 ± 12.50 Bq/kg, and in red deer muscle was 86.70 ± 3.470 Bq/kg. Conclusion The seven years' data indicate that wild boar absorb the most caesium-137 among game animals. The concentrations of Cs-137 in the muscle of game animals in the years 2015-2022 were at a nearly constant level, a very slow diminution being noticeable over time in roe and red deer muscle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paweł Czerski
- Radiobiology Department, National Veterinary Research Institute, 24-100Pulawy, Poland
| | - Magdalena Gembal
- Radiobiology Department, National Veterinary Research Institute, 24-100Pulawy, Poland
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Corbacho JÁ, Guillén J. Long-term radiological assessment of a Mediterranean freshwater ecosystem surrounding a nuclear power plant. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:29669-29683. [PMID: 38589586 PMCID: PMC11058964 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-33140-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
The radionuclide concentration of man-made radionuclides on non-human biota in freshwater ecosystems has been extensively studied in environments affected by the Chernobyl and Fukushima accidents, in both humid continental and subtropical climates, respectively. However, there are very few studies that assess the long-term effects of operating nuclear facilities in Mediterranean environments. In the present study, a temporal analysis of the impact on carp, cattail, and bulrushes in the cooling pond of the currently operating Almaraz nuclear power plant was investigated for the period 2000-2020. The results do not show a general trend in man-made radionuclide concentrations. Instead, depending on their availability and the type of organism, trends decrease over time. This is also reflected in the effective half-lives obtained, which are lower than the physical half-life for some radionuclides. Transfer coefficients for the main man-made radionuclides detected were obtained, and it was found that these were significantly lower than the typical ranges found for benthic fish and vascular plants in freshwater ecosystems. Finally, the internal and external doses received by the carp have been evaluated using ERICA tool, and it has been observed that the main contribution to the total dose is due to the internal dose (0.65-7.04) × 10-4 µGy/h.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Ángel Corbacho
- Departamento de Física Aplicada, Centro Universitario de Mérida. Universidad de Extremadura, 06800, Mérida, Badajoz, Spain.
| | - Javier Guillén
- LARUEX, Laboratorio de Radiactividad Ambiental, Departamento de Física Aplicada, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Extremadura, Avda. Universidad, S/N 10003, Cáceres, Spain
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Whicker JJ, Gerard JL, Inglis JD, Conrad C. Allometric-kinetic model predictions of concentration ratios for anthropogenic radionuclides across animal classes and food selection. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2023; 270:107312. [PMID: 37862883 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2023.107312] [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: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
Protection of the environment from radiation fundamentally relies on dose assessments for non-human biota. Many of these dose assessments use measured or predicted concentrations of radionuclides in soil or water combined with Concentration Ratios (CRs) to estimate whole body concentrations in animals and plants, yet there is a paucity of CR data relative to the vast number of potential taxa and radioactive contaminants in the environment and their taxon-specific ecosystems. Because there are many taxa each having very different behaviors and biology, and there are many possible bioavailable radionuclides, CRs have the potential to vary by orders-of-magnitude, as often seen in published data. Given the diversity of taxa, the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) has selected 12 non-human biota as reference animals and plants (RAPs), while the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) uses the non-taxon specific categories of terrestrial, riparian, and aquatic animals. The question we examine here, in part, is: are these RAPs and categorizations sufficient to adequately protect all species given the broad diversity of animals in a region? To explore this question, we utilize an Allometric-Kinetic (A-K) model to calculate radionuclide-specific CRs for common animal classes, which are then further subcategorized into herbivores, omnivores, carnivores, and invertebrate detritivores. Comparisons in CRs among animal classes exhibited only small differences, but there was order of magnitude differences between herbivores, carnivores, and especially detritivores, for many radionuclides of interest. These findings suggest that the ICRP RAPs and the DOE categories are reasonable, but their accuracy could be improved by including sub-categories related to animal dietary ecology and biology. Finally, comparisons of A-K model predicted CR values to published CRs show order-of-magnitude variations, providing justification for additional studies of animal assimilation across radionuclides, environmental conditions, and animal classes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey J Whicker
- Environmental Protection and Compliance Division, Environmental Stewardship Group, Los Alamos National Laboratory, P.O. Box 1663, Los Alamos, NM, 87545, USA.
| | - Jamie L Gerard
- Environmental Protection and Compliance Division, Environmental Stewardship Group, Los Alamos National Laboratory, P.O. Box 1663, Los Alamos, NM, 87545, USA
| | - Jeremy D Inglis
- Chemistry Division, Nuclear and Radiochemistry Group, Los Alamos National Laboratory, P.O. Box 1663, Los Alamos, NM, 87545, USA
| | - Cyler Conrad
- Earth Systems Science Division, Risk and Environmental Assessment Group, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, P.O. Box 999, Richland, WA 99352, USA; Department of Anthropology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
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Naskar AK, Gazi M, Mondal M, Deb A. Elevated radon level in drinking water of Ajodhya Hill Area of West Bengal, India: probable health impact on lung and stomach. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2023; 45:8153-8168. [PMID: 37548847 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-023-01707-4] [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: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
A screening survey has been carried out to measure the radon concentration in drinking water at various locations of Ajodhya hill and surrounding areas in Purulia district of West Bengal, India, using AlphaGUARD radon monitor. The obtained 222Rn concentration in ground water varies from 5.71 ± 0.29 to 579.47 ± 23.18 Bq/l with an average of 110.00 ± 6.61 Bq/l. Comparison between our results with the internationally recommended reference levels reveals that drinking of water from the majority of these tube-wells can pose significant health risks to the local people. Correlation study indicates that tube-well depth has significant influence on the radon level in water samples. Using 60 l/yr and 1642.50 l/yr water consumption estimated annual effective radon doses for most of the samples (almost 70% and 96%, respectively) are high compared to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Union (EU) Commission prescribed reference dose limit of 100 μSv/yr. Also, the evaluated Excess Lifetime Cancer Risk (ELCR) values associated with the tube-wells are showing serious threat to the health of the locals.The primary goal of this work is to develop a radon profile map of this area and to find out the possible reasons behind the elevated radon level in ground water. This type of work may play a very crucial role to aware the locals in perspective of human exposure to radon. The local health officials and the water quality regulators of India are requested to take necessary steps for protecting the local people from water radon hazard.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arindam Kumar Naskar
- Department of Physics, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700032, India
- School of Studies in Environmental Radiation and Archaeological Sciences, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700032, India
- Department of Physics, Bangabasi Evening College, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700009, India
| | - Mahasin Gazi
- Department of Physics, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700032, India
- School of Studies in Environmental Radiation and Archaeological Sciences, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700032, India
- Apollo Multispeciality Hospitals, 58 Canal Circular Road, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700054, India
| | - Mitali Mondal
- Department of Physics, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700032, India
- School of Studies in Environmental Radiation and Archaeological Sciences, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700032, India
| | - Argha Deb
- Department of Physics, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700032, India.
- School of Studies in Environmental Radiation and Archaeological Sciences, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700032, India.
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Babujohn NA, Eluri A. Viologen-functionalized magnetic material for the removal of Iodine and benzanthracene in an aqueous solution. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023:10.1007/s11356-023-27096-w. [PMID: 37140861 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-27096-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The development of magnetically active adsorbents for effective iodine removal would be highly desirable to address environmental pollution and remediation. Herein, we demonstrated the synthesis of Vio@SiO2@Fe3O4 as an adsorbent via surface functionalisation of electron-deficient bipyridium (viologen) units on the surface of magnetically active silica-coated magnetite (Fe3O4) core. This adsorbent was characterised thoroughly using various analytical techniques, such as field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), thermal gravimetric analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), field emission transmission electron microscopy (FETEM), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis and X-ray photon analysis (XPS). The removal of triiodide from the aqueous solution was monitored via the batch method. It revealed that the complete removal was achieved upon stirring for 70 min. The thermally stable and crystalline Vio@SiO2@Fe3O4 displayed efficient removal capacity even in the presence of other competing ions and at different pHs. The adsorption kinetics data were analysed following the pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order models. Further, the isotherm experiment showed that the maximum uptake capacity of iodine is 1.38 g/g. It can be regenerated and reused over multiple cycles to capture iodine. Further, Vio@SiO2@Fe3O4 displayed a good removal capacity toward toxic polyaromatic, Benzanthracene (BzA) pollutant with an uptake capacity of 2445 μg/g. This effective removal of toxic pollutants iodine/benzanthracene was attributed to the strong non-covalent electrostatic and π-π interaction with electron-deficient bipyridium units.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nisar Ahamed Babujohn
- Analytical and Environmental Science Division and Centralized Instrument Facility, CSIR Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute, Bhavnagar, Gujarat, 364 002, India.
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, 201 002, India.
| | - Amoluck Eluri
- Analytical and Environmental Science Division and Centralized Instrument Facility, CSIR Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute, Bhavnagar, Gujarat, 364 002, India
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Wada T, Hinata A, Furuta Y, Sasaki K, Konoplev A, Nanba K. Factors affecting 137Cs radioactivity and water-to-body concentration ratios of fish in river and pond environments near the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2023; 258:107103. [PMID: 36599216 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2022.107103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2022] [Revised: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
To elucidate 137Cs contamination levels and mechanisms of fish inhabiting river and pond environments near the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant, 137Cs activity concentrations in fish (15 species, n = 164) and water collected from Maeda River (3.3-8.9 km from the plant) and Shimofukazawa Pond (2.9 km) in 2017 were analyzed. Also, an 8-week rearing experiment using Japanese dace Pseudaspius hakonensis fed on non-contaminated pellets and the pond water (mean 137Cs concentration of 2.0 Bq/L) was conducted to evaluate 137Cs accumulation from water to fish. The 137Cs concentrations in Japanese dace, the only species collected throughout five sampling sites from estuarine to upstream areas in Maeda River, were found to be correlated with ambient air dose rates and fish size, exhibiting large variations (16.5-2.6×103 Bq/kg-wet). By contrast, dissolved 137Cs in river waters increased from the upper to lower course (0.025-0.28 Bq/L), which caused large variations of the water-to-body concentration ratio (CR) in Japanese dace (60.0-35700 L/kg-wet). These CRs (geometric mean of 3670 L/kg-wet) were much higher than the steady-state CR of reared fish (9.7 L/kg-wet), indicating that river fish uptake 137Cs mainly from prey items from aquatic and riparian zones, rather than from water. Statistically significant negative correlations between K+ concentrations in water and river fish CRs were detected, resulting in the decreasing trend of CRs from upstream to estuarine areas. These results suggest that the large heterogeneity of air dose rates, K+ concentration, and estuarine processes in brackish water habitats, in association with the feeding habit and size effect in fish, can engender wide variation of 137Cs concentrations and CRs of river fish along a river course. In contrast, 137Cs concentrations in pond fish (4.3-14.6 kBq/kg-wet) were higher than in river fish. The CRs of pond fish were constantly high but the range was smaller (1010-3440 L/kg-wet) with larger values in fish of higher trophic levels. These findings suggest that biomagnification within a pond was inferred as the main cause of 137Cs contamination of pond fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshihiro Wada
- Institute of Environmental Radioactivity, Fukushima University, Fukushima, Fukushima, 960-1296, Japan.
| | - Akinori Hinata
- Faculty of Symbiotic Systems Science, Fukushima University, Fukushima, Fukushima, 960-1296, Japan
| | - Yuma Furuta
- Faculty of Symbiotic Systems Science, Fukushima University, Fukushima, Fukushima, 960-1296, Japan
| | - Keiichi Sasaki
- Fukushima Prefectural Inland Water Fisheries Experiment Station, Inawashiro, Fukushima, 969-3283, Japan
| | - Alexei Konoplev
- Institute of Environmental Radioactivity, Fukushima University, Fukushima, Fukushima, 960-1296, Japan
| | - Kenji Nanba
- Institute of Environmental Radioactivity, Fukushima University, Fukushima, Fukushima, 960-1296, Japan; Faculty of Symbiotic Systems Science, Fukushima University, Fukushima, Fukushima, 960-1296, Japan
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Maystrenko T, Rybak A. Radium uptake by earthworms E. fetida after exposure to contaminated soil. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2023; 257:107085. [PMID: 36538842 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2022.107085] [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: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Radium-226 is one of the most important radionuclides for assessing the radiation exposure in terrestrial ecosystems in terms of its significant contribution to the internal and total dose rates. A laboratory culture of Eisenia fetida was exposed to soil contaminated with 226Ra and 238U during two months. These nuclides entered the soil as a result of industrial radium production (Vodny, Komi Republic, Russia). The concentrations of 226Ra and 238U were 89000 ± 9000 and 2130 ± 270 Bq kg-1 of soil. Bioaccumulation of 226Ra was investigated in E. fetida exposed to the radioactive soil or to a mixture containing the same radioactive soil diluted with peat and sand. The activity concentrations of 226Ra in E. fetida were higher after exposure to the contaminated soil compared to the mixture. The literature data on the radium accumulation in earthworms were considered also. Our experiments showed that the concentration ratio (CR) of 226Ra in E. fetida varied from 5.5 × 10-4 to 4.5 × 10-3 Bq kg-1 f.w./Bq kg-1 d.w. The average CRs were (6.7 ± 1.7) × 10-4 for the earthworms E. fetida from the soil mixture and (3.2 ± 1.2) × 10-3 for those from the radioactive soil. These CRs for 226Ra were up to two orders of magnitude lower than the values calculated by us from the results obtained by other researchers for natural earthworm populations in areas with lower levels radioactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Maystrenko
- Institute of Biology, Komi Scientific Center, Ural Branch of RAS, Russia.
| | - Anna Rybak
- Institute of Biology, Komi Scientific Center, Ural Branch of RAS, Russia.
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12
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Medley P, Patterson S. Determining baseline radiation levels in marine biota - A comparison of SE Queensland commercial species. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2022; 255:107032. [PMID: 36240658 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2022.107032] [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: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Limited data exists on the contribution to radiological dose to members of the public from ingestion of radioactivity in seafood in the Australian diet. There is also a lack of data available to assess the radiological dose to marine fauna in Australian waters. Natural and anthropogenic radionuclides and trace metals were measured in the edible flesh of prawns to determine the radiological dose to humans. The remaining tissues were combined and analysed to enable uptake and environmental radiological doses to be assessed. Although in international studies, the edible flesh is generally measured to determine radiation dose or ingestion of trace metals, the effects of preparation and cooking techniques are rarely assessed. In this study, cooking and preparation techniques that may influence the radiological dose to humans were assessed. Eggs were also removed from a selected number of samples to assess the potential dose in sensitive developmental tissues and possible implications for environmental effects. Order of magnitude differences in 210Po activity concentrations and Cd concentrations were observed between whole animals and the edible flesh of Australian caught King (Melicertus spp.) and Tiger (Penaeus spp.) prawns, with the hepatopancreas primarily responsible for this difference. Most 210Po was unsupported by 210Pb and activity concentrations of all other radionuclides measured (137Cs, 210Pb, 226Ra, 232Th, and 238U) were very low. The major contribution to radiation dose via the ingestion pathway and to the organism itself was from 210Po. Cooking techniques that may lead to leaching of 210Po from the hepatopancreas could substantially increase the radiological dose from ingestion of this isotope. Organism dose estimates using different input assumptions in the radiological assessment tool "ERICA", including site-specific tissue activity concentrations with site- or region-specific media concentrations, were compared with ERICA default distribution coefficients (Kd) and concentration ratios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Medley
- Radiation and Nuclear Sciences, Queensland Health Forensic and Scientific Services, PO Box 594, Archerfield, Qld 4108, Australia.
| | - Sian Patterson
- Radiation and Nuclear Sciences, Queensland Health Forensic and Scientific Services, PO Box 594, Archerfield, Qld 4108, Australia; International Atomic Energy Agency, Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications, P.O. Box 200, A-1400, Vienna, Austria.
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13
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Chaplin JD, Christl M, Cundy AB, Warwick PE, Gaca P, Bochud F, Froidevaux P. Time-Integrated Bioavailability Proxy for Actinides in a Contaminated Estuary. ACS ES&T WATER 2022; 2:1688-1696. [PMID: 36277120 PMCID: PMC9578035 DOI: 10.1021/acsestwater.2c00194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Actinides accumulate within aquatic biota in concentrations several orders of magnitude higher than in the seawater [the concentration factor (CF)], presenting an elevated radiological and biotoxicological risk to human consumers. CFs currently vary widely for the same radionuclide and species, which limits the accuracy of the modeled radiation dose to the public through seafood consumption. We propose that CFs will show less dispersion if calculated using a time-integrated measure of the labile (bioavailable) fraction instead of a specific spot sample of bulk water. Herein, we assess recently developed configurations of the diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT) sampling technique to provide a more accurate predictor for the bioaccumulation of uranium, plutonium, and americium within the biota of the Sellafield-impacted Esk Estuary (UK). We complement DGT data with the cross-flow ultrafiltration of bulk seawater to assess the DGT-labile fraction versus the bulk concentration. Sequential elution of Fucus vesiculosis reveals preferential internalization and strong intracellular binding of less particle-reactive uranium. We find significant variations between CF values in biota calculated using a spot sample versus using DGT, which suggest an underestimation of the CF by spot sampling in some cases. We therefore recommend a revision of CF values using time-integrated bioavailability proxies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua D. Chaplin
- Institute
of Radiation Physics, Lausanne University
Hospital and University of Lausanne, 1 Rue du Grand-Pré, Lausanne 1007, Switzerland
| | - Marcus Christl
- Laboratory
of Ion Beam Physics, ETH Zürich, Otto-Stern-Weg 5, Zürich 8093, Switzerland
| | - Andrew B. Cundy
- School
of Ocean and Earth Science, University of
Southampton, National Oceanography Centre, European Way, Southampton SO14 3ZH, U.K.
| | - Phillip E. Warwick
- School
of Ocean and Earth Science, University of
Southampton, National Oceanography Centre, European Way, Southampton SO14 3ZH, U.K.
| | - Paweł Gaca
- School
of Ocean and Earth Science, University of
Southampton, National Oceanography Centre, European Way, Southampton SO14 3ZH, U.K.
| | - François Bochud
- Institute
of Radiation Physics, Lausanne University
Hospital and University of Lausanne, 1 Rue du Grand-Pré, Lausanne 1007, Switzerland
| | - Pascal Froidevaux
- Institute
of Radiation Physics, Lausanne University
Hospital and University of Lausanne, 1 Rue du Grand-Pré, Lausanne 1007, Switzerland
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14
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Investigation on the chemical recovery and stability of a newly developed method for 137Cs measurement in marine biota Scomber Japonicus. Appl Radiat Isot 2022; 188:110381. [PMID: 35872558 DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2022.110381] [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: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Seven sets of experiments based on a newly developed Mincing-Digesting method for 137Cs measuring in marine biota Scomber Japonicus were conducted to investigate the method's stability and chemical recovery. The results show the chemical recovery of radiocesium for aqueous parts is 68.77 ± 11.2%, which is relatively stable with R2 = 0.97, means this value could be used when measuring the Scomber Japonicus or other marine biota belonging to the same category and having similar muscular tissue and cellular structure. Meanwhile, the Minimum Detectable Activity (MDA) of the method is 0.013Bq/kg-ww which is comparable with that of the conventional method, means that the method could be further developed as a reliable and efficient way to measure other radionuclides in other marine biotas in the future if more experiments were conducted.
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15
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Roivainen P, Muurinen SM, Sorvari J, Juutilainen J, Naarala J, Salomaa S. Transfer of elements into boreal forest ants at a former uranium mining site. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 304:119231. [PMID: 35358630 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119231] [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: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Ants can influence ecological processes, such as the transfer of elements or radionuclides, in several ways. For example, they redistribute materials while foraging and maintaining their nests and have an important role in terrestrial food webs. Quantitative data of the transfer of elements into ants is needed, e.g., for developing improved radioecological models. In this study, samples of red wood ants (genus Formica), nest material, litter and soil were collected from a former uranium mining site in Eastern Finland. Concentrations of 33 elements were analyzed by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectroscopy/Optical Emission Spectroscopy. Estimated element concentrations in spruce needles were used as a proxy for studying the transfer of elements into ants via aphids because spruces host the most important aphid farms in boreal forests. Empirically determined organism/medium concentration ratios (CRs) are commonly used in radioecological models. Ant/soil CRs were calculated and the validity of the fundamental assumption behind the of use of CRs (linear transfer) was evaluated. Elements that accumulated in ants in comparison to other compartments were cadmium, potassium, phosphorus, sulfur, and zinc. Ant uranium concentrations were low in comparison to soil, litter, or nest material but slightly elevated in comparison to spruce needles. Ant element concentrations were quite constant regardless of the soil concentrations. Non-linear transfer models could therefore describe the soil-to-ant transfer better than conventional CRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Päivi Roivainen
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (STUK), P.O. Box 14, 00811 Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Saara-Maria Muurinen
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (STUK), P.O. Box 14, 00811 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jouni Sorvari
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland
| | - Jukka Juutilainen
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jonne Naarala
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Sisko Salomaa
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (STUK), P.O. Box 14, 00811 Helsinki, Finland
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16
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Goulet RR, Newsome L, Vandenhove H, Keum DK, Horyna J, Kamboj S, Brown J, Johansen MP, Twining J, Wood MD, Černe M, Beaugelin-Seiller K, Beresford NA. Best practices for predictions of radionuclide activity concentrations and total absorbed dose rates to freshwater organisms exposed to uranium mining/milling. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2022; 244-245:106826. [PMID: 35134696 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2022.106826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Predictions of radionuclide dose rates to freshwater organisms can be used to evaluate the radiological environmental impacts of releases from uranium mining and milling projects. These predictions help inform decisions on the implementation of mitigation measures. The objective of this study was to identify how dose rate modelling could be improved to reduce uncertainty in predictions to non-human biota. For this purpose, we modelled the activity concentrations of 210Pb, 210Po, 226Ra, 230Th, and 238U downstream of uranium mines and mills in northern Saskatchewan, Canada, together with associated weighted absorbed dose rates for a freshwater food chain using measured activity concentrations in water and sediments. Differences in predictions of radionuclide activity concentrations occurred mainly from the different default partition coefficient and concentration ratio values from one model to another and including all or only some 238U decay daughters in the dose rate assessments. Consequently, we recommend a standardized best-practice approach to calculate weighted absorbed dose rates to freshwater biota whether a facility is at the planning, operating or decommissioned stage. At the initial planning stage, the best-practice approach recommend using conservative site-specific baseline activity concentrations in water, sediments and organisms and predict conservative incremental activity concentrations in these media by selecting concentration ratios based on species similarity and similar water quality conditions to reduce the uncertainty in dose rate calculations. At the operating and decommissioned stages, the best-practice approach recommends relying on measured activity concentrations in water, sediment, fish tissue and whole-body of small organisms to further reduce uncertainty in dose rate estimates. This approach would allow for more realistic but still conservative dose assessments when evaluating impacts from uranium mining projects and making decision on adequate controls of releases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard R Goulet
- CanmetMINING, Natural Resources Canada, Canada; Department of Earth Sciences, University of Ottawa, Canada.
| | - Laura Newsome
- Camborne School of Mines, University of Exeter, United Kingdom
| | | | - Dong-Kwon Keum
- Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, Republic of Korea
| | - Jan Horyna
- State Office for Nuclear Safety, Czech Republic; Moskevska 74, 10100, Prague 10, Czech Republic
| | | | - Justin Brown
- Norwegian Radiation Protection Authority, Norway
| | | | - John Twining
- Australian Nuclear Science & Technology Organization, Australia
| | | | - Marko Černe
- Institute of Agriculture and Tourism, Poreč, Croatia; Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | - Nicholas A Beresford
- University of Salford, United Kingdom; UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, United Kingdom
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17
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Majlesi S, Akkanen J, Roivainen P, Tuovinen TS, Sorvari J, Naarala J, Juutilainen J. Transfer of elements relevant to radioactive waste into chironomids and fish in boreal freshwater bodies. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 791:148218. [PMID: 34119794 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Information on transfer of elements and their radionuclides is essential for radioecological modeling. In the present study, we investigated the transfer of Cl, Co, Mo, Ni, Se, Sr, U and Zn in a boreal freshwater food chain. These elements were selected on the basis that they have important radionuclides that might be released into the biosphere from various stages of the nuclear fuel cycle. Water, sediment, chironomid larvae (Chironomus sp.), roach (Rutilus rutilus) and perch (Perca fluviatilis) were sampled from two ponds near a former uranium mine and one reference pond located further away from the mining area. Concentrations measured in water, sediment and the three animal species indicated the importance of sediment as a source of uptake for most of the elements (but not Cl). This should be considered in radioecological models, which conventionally predict concentration in aquatic organisms from concentration in water. The results also show that the assumption of linear transfer (constant concentration ratio) may not be valid for elements into fish. The results of this study show that further basic research is needed to understand the fundamental processes involved in transfer of elements into freshwater organisms in order to develop radioecological models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soroush Majlesi
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, PO Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Jarkko Akkanen
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, PO Box 111, FI-80101 Joensuu, Finland
| | - Päivi Roivainen
- Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority, PO Box 14, FI-00811 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tiina S Tuovinen
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, PO Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jouni Sorvari
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, PO Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland; Department of Biology, University of Turku, FI-20014 Turku, Finland
| | - Jonne Naarala
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, PO Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jukka Juutilainen
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, PO Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
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18
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Sotiropoulou M, Florou H. Measurement and calculation of radionuclide concentration ratios from soil to grass in semi-natural terrestrial habitats in Greece. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2021; 237:106666. [PMID: 34157575 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2021.106666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2020] [Revised: 05/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The results of the measurements of radionuclide transfer from soil to vegetation (Poaceae spp.) that conducted during 2010-2014, in free-ranged grazing regions in Greece, are presented in this work. The specific activities of 137Cs, 226Ra, 228Ra and 228Th radionuclides were measured and the activity concentrations were calculated in samples of soil and grass obtained from several studied regions in Greece. The respective soil-to-plant radionuclide transfer parameters (as Concentration Ratio) were calculated and the results were analyzed in terms of spatial deviation caused by the different climate type among the studied regions, provided that the same plant and soil types are studied. The Concentration Ratios ranged from 0.02 to 2.5 for 137Cs, 0.01 to 0.7 for 226Ra, from 0.07 to 1.1 for 228Ra, and, from 0.08 to 0.17 for 228Th. Although, the concentration ratios of the primordial radionuclides show some consistency among the different regions, significant differences are observed for 137Cs, which may be particularly attributed to the different climatic types (according to the Koppen-Geiger climate classification) that govern these regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Sotiropoulou
- Environmental Radioactivity Laboratory, I.N.RA.S.T.E.S, National Centre for Scientific Research "Demokritos', Agia Paraskevi, 15310, Attiki, Greece.
| | - Heleny Florou
- Environmental Radioactivity Laboratory, I.N.RA.S.T.E.S, National Centre for Scientific Research "Demokritos', Agia Paraskevi, 15310, Attiki, Greece
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19
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Chaplin JD, Warwick PE, Cundy AB, Bochud F, Froidevaux P. Novel DGT Configurations for the Assessment of Bioavailable Plutonium, Americium, and Uranium in Marine and Freshwater Environments. Anal Chem 2021; 93:11937-11945. [PMID: 34432435 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.1c01342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Plutonium, americium, and uranium contribute to the radioactive contamination of the environment and are risk factors for elevated radiation exposure via ingestion through food or water. Due to the significant environmental inventory of these radioelements, a sampling method to accurately monitor their bioavailable concentrations in natural waters is necessary, especially since physicochemical factors can cause significant temporal fluctuations in their waterborne concentrations. To this end, we engineered novel diffusive gradients in thin-film (DGT) configurations using resin gels, which are selective for UO22+, Pu(IV + V), and Am(III) among an excess of extraneous cations. In this work, we also report an improved synthesis of our in-house ion-imprinted polymer resin, which we used to manufacture a resin gel to capture Am(III). The effective diffusion coefficients of Pu, Am, and U in agarose cross-linked polyacrylamide were determined in freshwater and seawater simulants and in natural seawater, to calibrate these configurations for environmental deployments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua D Chaplin
- Institute of Radiation Physics, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, 1 Rue du Grand-Pré, CH-1007 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Phillip E Warwick
- School of Ocean and Earth Science, University of Southampton, National Oceanography Centre, European Way, Southampton SO14 3ZH, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew B Cundy
- School of Ocean and Earth Science, University of Southampton, National Oceanography Centre, European Way, Southampton SO14 3ZH, United Kingdom
| | - François Bochud
- Institute of Radiation Physics, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, 1 Rue du Grand-Pré, CH-1007 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Pascal Froidevaux
- Institute of Radiation Physics, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, 1 Rue du Grand-Pré, CH-1007 Lausanne, Switzerland
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20
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Rout S, Yadav S, Pulhani V. Transfer of radionuclides from soil to selected tropical plants of Indian Subcontinent: A review. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2021; 235-236:106652. [PMID: 34062381 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2021.106652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Soil to plant transfer factor (TF) of radionuclides is an important input parameter in dose assessment models. The wide range of TF for each radionuclide reported in the literature for a particular plant type indicates that radionuclide concentration in soil is not the only factor influencing its uptake by the plant. Different soil properties and agricultural practices may influence the TF and these are also a function of the climate. Considering the wide variation in TF data, here we attempt to review the available literature on TF of radionuclides in tropical countries of the Indian subcontinent (India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka). TF under equilibrium conditions are not available for all radionuclides, in such cases TF of naturally existing stable analogs elements were compiled. With an emphasis on, transfer of radionuclides from soil to the edible compartment of the plant; the TF data for 21 elements are compiled for 12 plant groups classified as per IAEA, Technical Reports Series No. 472. The article also presents the analysis and discussion of the extent and limitations of the compiled data. The compiled TF may be useful in assessing the food chain transfer of radionuclides when site-specific information is not available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabyasachi Rout
- Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, 400094, India.
| | - Sonali Yadav
- Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, 400094, India
| | - Vandana Pulhani
- Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, 400094, India
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21
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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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22
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Cresswell T, Prentice E, Howell N, Callaghan P, Metian M, Johansen MP. Bioaccumulation kinetics and internal distribution of the fission products radiocaesium and radiostrontium in an estuarine crab. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 408:124453. [PMID: 33168318 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.124453] [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: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Crab has been designated by the ICRP as one of twelve reference/model organisms for understanding the impacts of radionuclide releases on the biosphere. However, radionuclide-crab interaction data are sparse compared with other reference organisms (e.g. deer, earthworm). This study used an estuarine crab (Paragrapsus laevis) to investigate the contribution of water, diet and sediment sources to radionuclide (134Cs and 85Sr) bioaccumulation kinetics using live-animal radiotracing. The distribution of each radionuclide within the crab tissues was determined using dissection, whole-body autoradiography and synchrotron X-ray Fluorescence Microscopy (XFM). When moulting occurred during exposure, it caused significant increases in 85Sr bioaccumulation and efflux of 134Cs under constant aqueous exposure. Dietary assimilation efficiencies were determined as 55 ± 1% for 134Cs and 49 ± 3% for 85Sr. 85Sr concentrated in gonads more than other organs, resulting in proportionally greater radiation dose to the reproductive organs and requires further investigation. 134Cs was found in most soft tissues and was closely associated with S and K. Biodynamic modelling suggested that diet accounted for 90-97% of whole-body 137Cs, while water accounted for 59-81% of 90Sr. Our new data on crab, as a representative invertebrate, improves understanding of the impacts of planned or accidental releases of fission radionuclides on marine ecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Cresswell
- ANSTO, Locked Bag 2001, Kirrawee DC, NSW 2232, Australia.
| | - Emily Prentice
- ANSTO, Locked Bag 2001, Kirrawee DC, NSW 2232, Australia; NSW Office of Environment and Heritage, PO Box 29, Lidcombe, NSW 1825, Australia
| | - Nick Howell
- ANSTO, Locked Bag 2001, Kirrawee DC, NSW 2232, Australia
| | - Paul Callaghan
- ANSTO, Locked Bag 2001, Kirrawee DC, NSW 2232, Australia
| | - Marc Metian
- International Atomic Energy Agency Environment Laboratories (IAEA-EL), Radioecology Laboratory, 4a Quai Antoine 1er, Principality of Monaco MC-98000, Monaco
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23
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Tagami K, Fukaya Y, Hirayama M, Uchida S. Collation of Strontium Concentration Ratios from Water to Aquatic Biota Species in Freshwater and Marine Environments and Factors Affecting the Ratios. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:1637-1649. [PMID: 33428373 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c05710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The fate of strontium-90 (90Sr) from water to aquatic biota is of concern since the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (FDNPP) accident because of continuous small 90Sr releases to the seawater from the FDNPP site. The Japanese diet includes many edible marine and freshwater species, and the environmental parameter, that is, the concentration ratio (CR) from water to biota, is useful to estimate the potential 90Sr intake, especially from frequently consumed seafoods. However, widely used CR data for radiation dose assessment only have provided values for biota types such as fish, crustaceans, macroalgae, and so forth, and thus, it is difficult to identify specific data for each species. In this study, therefore, we collated CR data of Sr for aquatic biota by surveying available open data sources from the 1950s to 2019, not only for edible parts but also for whole and inedible parts. In total, we obtained 3800 CR data: 3013 data for marine biota, 28 data for brackish water biota, and 759 data for freshwater biota. The results showed that species-specific CRs may decrease the uncertainties compared to those published in IAEA documents; however, different diets and living areas by species may lead to different uncertainties for different species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keiko Tagami
- National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology, 4-9-1 Anagawa, Inage, Chiba 263-8555, Japan
| | - Yukiko Fukaya
- Safety and Environment Analysis Unit, Japan NUS Co., Ltd., Nishi-Shinjuku Prime Square 5F, 7-5-25 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-Ku, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan
| | - Makoto Hirayama
- Safety and Environment Analysis Unit, Japan NUS Co., Ltd., Nishi-Shinjuku Prime Square 5F, 7-5-25 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-Ku, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan
| | - Shigeo Uchida
- National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology, 4-9-1 Anagawa, Inage, Chiba 263-8555, Japan
- Safety and Environment Analysis Unit, Japan NUS Co., Ltd., Nishi-Shinjuku Prime Square 5F, 7-5-25 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-Ku, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan
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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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Babić D, Skoko B, Franić Z, Senčar J, Šoštarić M, Petroci L, Avdić M, Kovačić M, Branica G, Petrinec B, Bituh T, Franulović I, Marović G. Baseline radioecological data for the soil and selected bioindicator organisms in the temperate forest of Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:21040-21056. [PMID: 32266621 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-08369-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to provide baseline radioecological data for the temperate forest ecosystem in Plitvice Lakes National Park. Emphasis was placed on the determination of naturally occurring radionuclides since there is an acknowledged lack of data for these radionuclides in non-accident conditions in wildlife, even for bioindicator organisms. Activity concentrations of 238U, 226Ra, 210Pb, 232Th, 40K, 134Cs, and 137Cs were measured by gamma spectrometry in soil and bioindicators: earthworms, conifer needles, mosses, and lichens. From the measured activity concentrations, concentration ratios were calculated to quantify the transfer of these radionuclides from soil to bioindicators. Our results show that soil activity concentrations are biased toward results from other studies conducted within the Dinaric mountain region. However, in moss and lichen samples, we measured higher activity concentrations of 226Ra and lower activity concentrations of 40K and 137Cs in comparison to similar studies. Also, we estimated lower concentration ratios for all radionuclides from soil to these organisms, except for 210Pb, in comparison to generic values. The transfer of 238U was generally low for all of the bioindicator organisms. For conifer needles, a correlation was found between activity concentrations of 226Ra and 137Cs in soil and related concentration ratios. Correlation was also found between the activity concentration of 40K in soil and transfer of 40K and 137Cs to mosses and lichens. A comparison with literature data highlighted the lack of 226Ra related concentration ratios for conifer trees and especially for earthworms. Therefore, the results of this study could supplement the sparse data currently available on radionuclide background data in similar ecosystems and related soil-to-wildlife transfer of radionuclides. Dose rate assessments, performed by the ERICA Tool, estimated that 96% of the overall exposure of wildlife in the Park area is due to the background dose rates, while 0.06 μGy h-1 on average can be attributed as an incremental dose rate from 134Cs and 137Cs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dinko Babić
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska cesta 2, HR-10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Božena Skoko
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska cesta 2, HR-10000, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Zdenko Franić
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska cesta 2, HR-10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Jasminka Senčar
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska cesta 2, HR-10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Marko Šoštarić
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska cesta 2, HR-10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ljerka Petroci
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska cesta 2, HR-10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Mak Avdić
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska cesta 2, HR-10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Milica Kovačić
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska cesta 2, HR-10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Gina Branica
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska cesta 2, HR-10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Branko Petrinec
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska cesta 2, HR-10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Tomislav Bituh
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska cesta 2, HR-10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Iva Franulović
- 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
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26
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Sotiropoulou M, Florou H. Radiological risk assessment in the terrestrial ecosystem: comparative study of two software tools used for dose rate calculations. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:18488-18497. [PMID: 32193736 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-08186-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
In this study, two software tools, namely the ERICA Assessment Tool and the RESRAD-BIOTA code, are used for the calculation of the radiological exposure of non-human organisms. For the purposes of the analysis, data retrieved from field studies are used. The site-specific measurements were performed on organisms (mammals-sheep and goats of Bovidae spp.) collected from free-ranged grazing regions in Greece. Plants (grass) of Poaceae spp. and soil samples were also collected from these regions. Natural radionuclides (226Ra, 228Ra, and 228Th) of lithogenic origin and 137Cs, resulted from human activities (Chernobyl and Fukushima nuclear power plant accidents and global fallout), were detected in all samples. The measured activity concentrations were used as input to the two software tools, the ERICA Assessment Tool and the RESRAD-BIOTA code. The results of the simulations provided the external, internal, and total dose rates received by the organisms due to the exposure to the radionuclides. The assessments indicated that out of all detected radionuclides, 228Th is the main contributor to the external dose and 226Ra and 228Ra are the main contributors to the internal dose. The comparative analysis of the two tools revealed significant differences in the calculated doses. In fact, external and internal doses calculated by RESRAD-BIOTA are higher than the values calculated by the ERICA Tool, due to the dose conversion coefficients (DCCs) used for the dose calculation. RESRAD-BIOTA provides more conservative values, but ERICA Tool provides lower uncertainty due to the higher flexibility in the design of the phantom organism. On a risk assessment basis, there is no significant impact, due to organisms' exposure to radioactivity. However, further consideration of the exposure levels is required due to the potential effects of protracted low-level ionizing radiation on the various levels of life's organization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Sotiropoulou
- Environmental Radioactivity Laboratory (ERL), I.N.RA.S.T.E.S, National Centre for Scientific Research 'Demokritos' (NCSR'D'), Agia Paraskevi, Greece.
| | - Heleny Florou
- Environmental Radioactivity Laboratory (ERL), I.N.RA.S.T.E.S, National Centre for Scientific Research 'Demokritos' (NCSR'D'), Agia Paraskevi, Greece
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27
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Doering C. Whole organism concentration ratios of radionuclides and metals in terrestrial vertebrates of an Australian tropical savanna environment. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2019; 207:7-14. [PMID: 31151051 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2019.05.016] [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: 01/24/2019] [Revised: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 05/24/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Preliminary values of whole organism concentration ratio (CRwo-soil) were derived for terrestrial vertebrates of an Australian tropical savanna environment. Wildlife groups included bird, bat, ground-dwelling mammal and reptile. Sample data for some of the wildlife groups (bird and bat in particular) were limited. The bird and bat CRwo-soil values were generally lower than the ground-dwelling mammal and reptile CRwo-soil values based on the available data. Arithmetic mean CRwo-soil values for two species of native marsupial and two species of non-native placental were not significantly different (p < 0.05) when tested using a one-way analysis of variance. The results hinted at possible sampling efficiencies for terrestrial vertebrates. However, verification with additional data was recommended. Used cautiously, the CRwo-soil values may assist in environmental assessments of Australian uranium mining sites. They also enhance the available data on radionuclide transfer to wildlife for use internationally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Che Doering
- Environmental Research Institute of the Supervising Scientist (ERISS), GPO Box 461, Darwin, NT, 0801, Australia.
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28
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Takata H, Johansen MP, Kusakabe M, Ikenoue T, Yokota M, Takaku H. A 30-year record reveals re-equilibration rates of 137Cs in marine biota after the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant accident: Concentration ratios in pre- and post-event conditions. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 675:694-704. [PMID: 31042622 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2019] [Revised: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Concentration ratios (CRs), expressed by dividing 137Cs activity in seawater by that in marine biota (mainly fish), were obtained from the monitoring of 137Cs in coastal areas around Japan between 1984 and 2016. Before the TEPCO Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant (FDNPP) accident (1984-2010), mean CRs of 137Cs, mainly from global fallout (i.e. CRGF), were almost constant for each species throughout the monitoring period, but were different among species, while the values for several species were dependent on their length (i.e. CRGF-SIZE). Thus, CRGF and CRGF-SIZE values for 29 of marketable species are given here as references for conditions where marine biota are in approximate equilibrium (or steady state) with their host water with respect to 137Cs activities in the marine environment. After the FDNPP accident (2011-2016), the impact of the accident has been sustained in eastern Japan waters as indicated by apparent CRs (CRas) which are being used here as indicators of disequilibrium between organisms and their host water. The recession rates of this disequilibrium (the effective CRa half-lives) ranged from 100 to 1100 days. The identified distinct variation was due to the sample locations, even for the same species, because of the change in 137Cs activity concentrations in their host water and diet preference differences. Variation among species, even those captured from the same area, was mainly due to diet differences as well as metabolic-physiological differences in 137Cs retention. Thus, our results from >30 years of systematically monitoring have helped quantify the recession rates of post-FDNPP disequilibrium of 137Cs in biota for assessment of how long term is required from contaminated condition by underlying spatial, inter- and intra-species factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyoe Takata
- Central Laboratory, Marine Ecology Research Institute, 300 Iwawada, Onjuku-machi, Isumi-gun, Chiba 299-5105, Japan.
| | - Mathew P Johansen
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), Kirrawee DC, NSW, Australia
| | - Masashi Kusakabe
- Central Laboratory, Marine Ecology Research Institute, 300 Iwawada, Onjuku-machi, Isumi-gun, Chiba 299-5105, Japan
| | - Takahito Ikenoue
- Central Laboratory, Marine Ecology Research Institute, 300 Iwawada, Onjuku-machi, Isumi-gun, Chiba 299-5105, Japan
| | - Mizuro Yokota
- Central Laboratory, Marine Ecology Research Institute, 300 Iwawada, Onjuku-machi, Isumi-gun, Chiba 299-5105, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Takaku
- Central Laboratory, Marine Ecology Research Institute, 300 Iwawada, Onjuku-machi, Isumi-gun, Chiba 299-5105, Japan
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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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Brown JE, Beresford NA, Hevrøy TH. Exploring taxonomic and phylogenetic relationships to predict radiocaesium transfer to marine biota. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 649:916-928. [PMID: 30179820 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.08.343] [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: 05/30/2018] [Revised: 08/24/2018] [Accepted: 08/25/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
One potentially useful approach to fill data gaps for concentration ratios, CRs, is based upon the hypothesis that an underlying taxonomic and/or phylogenetic relationship exists for radionuclide transfer. The objective of this study was to explore whether these relationships could be used to explain variation in the transfer of radiocaesium to a wide range of marine organisms. CR data for 137Cs were classified in relation to taxonomic family, order, class and phylum. A Residual Maximum Likelihood (REML) mixed-model regression modelling approach was adopted. The existence of any patterns were then explored using phylogenetic trees constructed with mitochondrial COI gene sequences from various biota groups and mapping the REML residual means onto these trees. A comparison of the predictions made using REML with blind datasets allowed the efficacy of the procedure to be tested. The only significant correlation between predicted and measured activity concentrations was revealed at the taxonomic level of order when comparing REML analysis output with data from the Barents Sea Region. For this single case a correlation 0.80 (Spearman rank) was derived which was significant at the 0.01 level (1-tailed test) although this was not the case once a (Bonferroni) correction was applied. The application of the REML approach to marine datasets has met with limited success, and the phylogenetic trees illustrate complications of using predictions based on values from different levels of taxonomic organization, where predicted values for the order level can mask the values at lower taxonomic levels. Any influence of taxonomy and phylogeny on transfer is not immediately conspicuous and categorizing marine organisms in this way is limited in providing a potentially robust prognostic extrapolation tool. Other factors may plausibly affect transfer to a much greater degree in marine systems, such as quite diverse life histories and different diets, which may confound any phylogenetic pattern.
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Affiliation(s)
- J E Brown
- Norwegian Radiation Protection Authority, Grini næringspark 13, 1361 Østerås, Norway; CERAD Center of Excellence in Environmental Radioactivity, P.O. Box 5003, NO-1432 Ås, Norway.
| | | | - T H Hevrøy
- Norwegian Radiation Protection Authority, Grini næringspark 13, 1361 Østerås, Norway; CERAD Center of Excellence in Environmental Radioactivity, P.O. Box 5003, NO-1432 Ås, Norway.
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Nagakawa Y, Uemoto M, Kurosawa T, Shutoh K, Hasegawa H, Sakurai N, Harada E. Comparison of radioactive and stable cesium uptake in aquatic macrophytes affected by the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant accident. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-018-6304-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Horemans N, Nauts R, Vives I Batlle J, Van Hees M, Jacobs G, Voorspoels S, Gaschak S, Nanba K, Saenen E. Genome-wide DNA methylation changes in two Brassicaceae species sampled alongside a radiation gradient in Chernobyl and Fukushima. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2018; 192:405-416. [PMID: 30055441 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2018.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Revised: 07/04/2018] [Accepted: 07/12/2018] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The long-term radiological impact to the environment of the nuclear accidents in Chernobyl and Fukushima is still under discussion. In the course of spring of 2016 we sampled two Brassicacea plants, Arabidopsis thaliana and Capsella bursa-pastoris native to Ukraine and Japan, respectively, alongside a gradient of radiation within the exclusion and difficult to return zones of Chernobyl (CEZ) and Fukushima (FEZ). Ambient dose rates were similar for both sampling gradients ranging from 0.5 to 80 μGy/h at plant height. The hypothesis was tested whether a history of several generations of plants growing in enhanced radiation exposure conditions would have led to changes in genome-wide DNA methylation. However, no differences were found in the global percentage of 5-methylated cytosines in Capsella bursa pastoris plants sampled in FEZ. On the other hand a significant decrease in whole genome methylation percentage in Arabidopsis thaliana plants was found in CEZ mainly governed by the highest exposed plants. These data support a link between exposure to changed environmental conditions and changes genome methylation. In addition to methylation the activity concentration of different radionuclides, 137Cs, 90Sr, 241Am and Pu-238,239,240 for CEZ and 137, 134Cs for FEZ, was analysed in both soil and plant samples. The ratio of 5.6 between 137Cs compared to 134Cs was as expected five years after the FEZ accident. For CEZ 137Cs is the most abundant polluting radionuclide in soil followed by 90Sr. Whereas 241Am and Pu-isotopes are only marginally present. In the plant tissue, however, higher levels of Sr than Cs were retrieved due to a high uptake of 90Sr in the plants. The 90Sr transfer factors ranged in CEZ from 5 to 20 (kg/kg) depending on the locality. Based on the activity concentrations of the different radionuclides the ERICA tool was used to estimate the total dose rates to the plants. It was found that for FEZ the doses was mainly contributable to the external Cs-isotopes and as such estimated total dose rates (0.13-38 μGy/h) were in the same range as the ambient measured dose rates. In strong contrast this was not true for CEZ where the total dose rate was mainly due to high uptake of the 90Sr leading to dose rates ranging from 1 to 370 μGy/h. Hence our data clearly indicate that not taking into account the internal contamination in CEZ will lead to considerable underestimation of the doses to the plants. Additionally they show that it is hard to compare the two nuclear accidental sites and one of the main reasons is the difference in contamination profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nele Horemans
- Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK•CEN), Biosphere Impact Studies, Boeretang 200, B-2400, Mol, Belgium; Centre for Environmental Research, University of Hasselt, Universiteitslaan 1, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium.
| | - Robin Nauts
- Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK•CEN), Biosphere Impact Studies, Boeretang 200, B-2400, Mol, Belgium
| | - Jordi Vives I Batlle
- Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK•CEN), Biosphere Impact Studies, Boeretang 200, B-2400, Mol, Belgium
| | - May Van Hees
- Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK•CEN), Biosphere Impact Studies, Boeretang 200, B-2400, Mol, Belgium
| | - Griet Jacobs
- Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO Nv), Boeretang 200, B-2400, Mol, Belgium
| | - Stefan Voorspoels
- Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO Nv), Boeretang 200, B-2400, Mol, Belgium
| | - Sergey Gaschak
- Chernobyl Center for Nuclear Safety, Radioactive Waste and Radioecology, International Radioecology Laboratory, 07100, Slavutych, Ukraine
| | - Kenji Nanba
- Institute of Environmental Radioactivity of Fukushima University, 1 Kanayagawa, Fukushima, 960-1296, Japan
| | - Eline Saenen
- Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK•CEN), Biosphere Impact Studies, Boeretang 200, B-2400, Mol, Belgium
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Szymańska K, Falandysz J, Skwarzec B, Strumińska-Parulska D. 210Po and 210Pb in forest mushrooms of genus Leccinum and topsoil from northern Poland and its contribution to the radiation dose. CHEMOSPHERE 2018; 213:133-140. [PMID: 30216813 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2018.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2018] [Revised: 08/07/2018] [Accepted: 09/03/2018] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Wild growing mushrooms are traditional food items for man and also an important source of nutrients for small and big wildlife. Nevertheless, they can be species - specifically vulnerable for contamination with heavy metals and radionuclides. We studied a less known phenomenon of accumulation of highly toxic, the alpha-radiation emitter such as 210Po and the beta emitter 210Pb by three Leccinum mushrooms: orange oak bolete L. aurantiacum (Bull.) Gray (previous name Leccinum aurantiacum var. quercinum Pilát), foxy bolete L. vulpinum Watling and slate bolete L. duriusculum (Schulzer ex Kalchbr.) Singer. Fungal and soil materials were collected from areas of a different geochemical composition in the northern regions of Poland. In parallel evaluated was the risk to human consumer due to possible intake of 210Po and 210Pb with a mushroom meal. Results showed a heterogeneous distribution of 210Po and 210Pb activity concentrations within caps and stipes of fruiting bodies. Overall activity concentration for whole dried fungi material ranged from 0.59 ± 0.38 to 3.2 ± 0.2 Bq 210Po kg-1 and from 0.45 ± 0.04 to 3.1 ± 0.2 Bq 210Pb kg-1. Evaluation showed that Leccinum mushrooms consumed by locals in typical quantity of 0.5 kg (dry biomass) can contribute into annual effective radiation dose at 0.90-3.81 μSv from 210Po decay and 0.31-2.14 μSv from 210Pb decay, which is a small portion of the annual effective radiation dose of 210Po and 210Pb for human inhabiting the northern regions of Poland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Szymańska
- Laboratory of Environmental Analytics and Radiochemistry, Environmental Chemistry and Radiochemistry Department, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, Wita Stwosza 63, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Jerzy Falandysz
- Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Environmental Chemistry and Radiochemistry Department, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, Wita Stwosza 63, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Bogdan Skwarzec
- Laboratory of Environmental Analytics and Radiochemistry, Environmental Chemistry and Radiochemistry Department, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, Wita Stwosza 63, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Dagmara Strumińska-Parulska
- Laboratory of Environmental Analytics and Radiochemistry, Environmental Chemistry and Radiochemistry Department, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, Wita Stwosza 63, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland.
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Jeffree RA, Oberhaensli F, Teyssie JL, Fowler SW. Radioecological aftermath: Maternal transfer of anthropogenic radionuclides to shark progeny is sustained and enhanced well beyond maternal exposure. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2018; 192:573-579. [PMID: 29807626 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2018.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2018] [Revised: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 05/01/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Cartilaginous dogfish Scyliorhinus canicula continued to transfer four anthropogenic radionuclides (65Zn, 60Co, 134Cs and 241Am) to their eggs for over six months, after two months of continued maternal exposure to radio-labelled food. Unexpectedly, rates of radionuclide transfers to eggs and their yolk & embryo during maternal depuration were equivalent for 60Co and 241Am, or even enhanced for 65Zn and 134Cs by factors of c.200-350%, over two-three months, compared to their maximal transfer rates at the end of the maternal uptake phase. These rates of maternal transfer of radionuclides to yolk & embryo were positively associated with their previously determined efficiencies of assimilation (AE) from ingested radio-labelled food. Thus progeny may be more exposed via maternal transfer to those radionuclides which have greater rates of maternal assimilation from food. As maternal depuration continued beyond 60-80 up to 180-200 days the transfers of all four radionuclides to eggs did diminish but were still substantial at mean values of 18% for 241Am, 17% for 134Cs and 9 and 8% for 60Co and 65Zn, respectively. In the yolk & embryo the mean rates of transfer over this period were further reduced for 241Am (13.5%), 60Co (2.5%) and 65Zn (5.8%), but were still appreciable for 134Cs at 56%. These results for S. canicula have demonstrated a potential enhanced radiological risk of extended duration due to the particular biokinetics of maternal transfer in this species. This study draws further attention to the current paucity of knowledge about the maternal: progeny transfer pathway, particularly in the context of the known heightened radio-sensitivity of early life stages in fish and other vertebrates, compared to later life stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ross A Jeffree
- IAEA Environment Laboratories, 4 Quai Antoine, MC 98000, Monaco.
| | | | | | - Scott W Fowler
- Institute Bobby, 8 Allee des Orangers, 06320, Cap d'Ail, France
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35
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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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Ćujić M, Dragović S. Assessment of dose rate to terrestrial biota in the area around coal fired power plant applying ERICA tool and RESRAD BIOTA code. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2018; 188:108-114. [PMID: 28964597 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2017.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2017] [Revised: 09/19/2017] [Accepted: 09/19/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
This paper presents the environmental radiation risk assessment based on two software program approaches ERICA Tool (version 1.2) and RESRAD BIOTA (version 1.5) to estimate dose rates to terrestrial biota in the area around the largest coal fired power plant in Serbia. For dose rate assessment software's default reference animals and plants and the best estimated values of activity concentrations of 238U, 234U, 234Th, 232Th, 230Th, 226Ra, 210Pb, 210Po, 137Cs in soil were used. Both approaches revealed the highest contribution to the internal dose rate due to 226Ra and 210Po, while 137Cs contributed the most to the external dose rate. In the investigated area total dose rate to biota derived using ERICA Tool ranged from 0.3 to 14.4 μGy h-1. The natural radionuclides exhibited significantly higher contribution to the total dose rate than the artificial one. In the investigated area, only dose rate for lichens and bryophytes exceeded ERICA Tool screening value of total dose rate of 10 μGy h-1 suggested as confident that environmental risks are negligible. The assessed total dose rates for reference animals and plants using RESRAD BIOTA were found to be 7 and 3 μGy h-1, respectively. In RESRAD BIOTA - Level 3, 10 species (Lumbricus terrestris, Rana lessonae, Sciurus vulgaris, Anas platyrhynchos, Lepus europaeus, Vulpes vulpes, Capreolus capreolus, Suss crofa, Quercu srobur, Tilia spp.) representative for the study area were modeled. Among them the highest total dose rate (4.5 μGy h-1) was obtained for large mammals. Differences in the predicted dose rates to biota using the two software programs are the consequence of the difference in the values of transfer parameters used to calculate activity concentrations in biota. Doses of ionizing radiation estimated in this study will not exhibit deterministic effects at the population level. Thus, the obtained results indicate no significant radiation impact of coal fired power plant operation on terrestrial biota. This paper confirms the use ERICA Tool and RESRAD BIOTA softwares as flexible and effective means of radiation impact assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirjana Ćujić
- University of Belgrade, Vinča Institute of Nuclear Sciences, PO Box 522, 11001 Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Snežana Dragović
- University of Belgrade, Vinča Institute of Nuclear Sciences, PO Box 522, 11001 Belgrade, Serbia
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Guillén J, Beresford NA, Baeza A, Izquierdo M, Wood MD, Salas A, Muñoz-Serrano A, Corrales-Vázquez JM, Muñoz-Muñoz JG. Transfer parameters for ICRP's Reference Animals and Plants in a terrestrial Mediterranean ecosystem. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2018; 186:9-22. [PMID: 28919133 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2017.06.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2017] [Accepted: 06/20/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
A system for the radiological protection of the environment (or wildlife) based on Reference Animals and Plants (RAPs) has been suggested by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP). To assess whole-body activity concentrations for RAPs and the resultant internal dose rates, transfer parameters are required. However, transfer values specifically for the taxonomic families defined for the RAPs are often sparse and furthermore can be extremely site dependent. There is also a considerable geographical bias within available transfer data, with few data for Mediterranean ecosystems. In the present work, stable element concentrations (I, Li, Be, B, Na, Mg, Al, P, S, K. Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Rb, Sr, Mo, Ag, Cd, Cs, Ba, Tl, Pb and U) in terrestrial RAPs, and the corresponding whole-body concentration ratios, CRwo, were determined in two different Mediterranean ecosystems: a Pinewood and a Dehesa (grassland with disperse tree cover). The RAPs considered in the Pinewood ecosystem were Pine Tree and Wild Grass; whereas in the Dehesa ecosystem those considered were Deer, Rat, Earthworm, Bee, Frog, Duck and Wild Grass. The CRwo values estimated from these data are compared to those reported in international compilations and databases.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Guillén
- LARUEX, Dpt. Applied Physics, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Extremadura, Avda. Universidad, s/n, 10003, Cáceres, Spain.
| | - N A Beresford
- NERC Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Lancaster Environment Centre, Library Av. Bailrigg, Lancaster, LA1 4AP, United Kingdom; School of Environment and Life Sciences, Room 323, Peel Building, University of Salford, Manchester, M5 4WT, United Kingdom
| | - A Baeza
- LARUEX, Dpt. Applied Physics, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Extremadura, Avda. Universidad, s/n, 10003, Cáceres, Spain
| | - M Izquierdo
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonnington Campus, Leicerstershire, LE12 5RD, United Kingdom
| | - M D Wood
- School of Environment and Life Sciences, Room 323, Peel Building, University of Salford, Manchester, M5 4WT, United Kingdom
| | - A Salas
- LARUEX, Dpt. Applied Physics, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Extremadura, Avda. Universidad, s/n, 10003, Cáceres, Spain
| | - A Muñoz-Serrano
- LARUEX, Dpt. Applied Physics, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Extremadura, Avda. Universidad, s/n, 10003, Cáceres, Spain
| | - J M Corrales-Vázquez
- Department of Experimental Sciences and Mathematics Teaching, University of Extremadura, Avda. Universidad, s/n, 10003, Cáceres, Spain
| | - J G Muñoz-Muñoz
- LARUEX, Dpt. Applied Physics, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Extremadura, Avda. Universidad, s/n, 10003, Cáceres, Spain
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Walters WJ, Christensen V. Ecotracer: analyzing concentration of contaminants and radioisotopes in an aquatic spatial-dynamic food web model. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2018; 181:118-127. [PMID: 29145014 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2017.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2016] [Revised: 10/16/2017] [Accepted: 11/06/2017] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Ecotracer is a tool in the Ecopath with Ecosim (EwE) software package used to simulate and analyze the transport of contaminants such as methylmercury or radiocesium through aquatic food webs. Ecotracer solves the contaminant dynamic equations simultaneously with the biomass dynamic equations in Ecosim/Ecospace. In this paper, we give a detailed description of the Ecotracer module and analyze the performance on two problems of differing complexity. Ecotracer was modified from previous versions to more accurately model contaminant excretion, and new numerical integration algorithms were implemented to increase accuracy and robustness. To test the mathematical robustness of the computational algorithm, Ecotracer was tested on a simple problem for which we know an analytical solution. These results demonstrated the effectiveness of the program numerics. A much more complex model, the release of the cesium radionuclide 137Cs from the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear accident, was also modeled and analyzed. A comparison of the Ecotracer results to sampled 137Cs measurements in the coastal ocean area around Fukushima show the promise of the tool but also highlight some important limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- William J Walters
- Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, University of British Columbia, 2202 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada.
| | - Villy Christensen
- Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, University of British Columbia, 2202 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada.
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Hirth GA, Johansen MP, Carpenter JG, Bollhöfer A, Beresford NA. Whole-organism concentration ratios in wildlife inhabiting Australian uranium mining environments. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2017; 178-179:385-393. [PMID: 28457640 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2017.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2017] [Revised: 03/12/2017] [Accepted: 04/10/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Wildlife concentration ratios for 226Ra, 210Pb, 210Po and isotopes of Th and U from soil, water, and sediments were evaluated for a range of Australian uranium mining environments. Whole-organism concentration ratios (CRwo-media) were developed for 271 radionuclide-organism pairs within the terrestrial and freshwater wildlife groups. Australian wildlife often has distinct physiological attributes, such as the lower metabolic rates of macropod marsupials as compared with placental mammals. In addition, the Australian CRswo-media originate from tropical and semi-arid climates, rather than from the temperate-dominated climates of Europe and North America from which most (>90%) of internationally available CRwo-media values originate. When compared, the Australian and non-Australian CRs are significantly different for some wildlife categories (e.g. grasses, mammals) but not others (e.g. shrubs). Where differences exist, the Australian values were higher, suggesting that site-, or region-specific CRswo-media should be used in detailed Australian assessments. However, in screening studies, use of the international mean values in the Wildlife Transfer Database (WTD) appears to be appropriate, as long as the values used encompass the Australian 95th percentile values. Gaps in the Australian datasets include a lack of marine parameters, and no CR data are available for freshwater phytoplankton, zooplankton, insects, insect larvae or amphibians; for terrestrial environments, there are no data for amphibians, annelids, ferns, fungi or lichens & bryophytes. The new Australian specific parameters will aide in evaluating remediation plans and ongoing operations at mining and waste sites within Australia. They have also substantially bolstered the body of U- and Th-series CRwo-media data for use internationally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gillian A Hirth
- Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA), 619 Lower Plenty Rd, Yallambie, 3085, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Mathew P Johansen
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Locked Bag 2001, Kirrawee, DC, NSW 2232, Australia
| | - Julia G Carpenter
- Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA), 619 Lower Plenty Rd, Yallambie, 3085, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andreas Bollhöfer
- Environmental Research Institute of the Supervising Scientist, GPO Box 461, Darwin, 0801 Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Nicholas A Beresford
- Natural Environment Research Council - Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Bailrigg, Lancaster LA1 4AP, United Kingdom
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Sotiropoulou M, Florou H, Kitis G. Calculating the radiological parameters used in non-human biota dose assessment tools using ERICA Tool and site-specific data. RADIATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL BIOPHYSICS 2017; 56:443-451. [PMID: 28776193 DOI: 10.1007/s00411-017-0703-8] [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: 11/12/2016] [Accepted: 07/15/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The substantial complexity in ecosystem-radionuclide interactions is difficult to be represented in terms of radiological doses. Thus, radiological dose assessment tools use typical exposure situations for generalized organisms and ecosystems. In the present study, site-specific data and radioactivity measurements of terrestrial organisms (grass and herbivore mammals) and abiotic components (soil) are provided. The retrieved data are used in combination with the ERICA Assessment Tool for calculation of radiological parameters. The process of radionuclide transfer within ecosystem components is represented using concentration ratios (CRs), while for the calculation of dose rates the dose conversion coefficient (DCC) methodology is applied. Comparative assessments are performed between the generic and assessment-specific radiological parameters and between the resulting dose rates. Significant differences were observed between CRs calculated in this study and those reported in the literature for cesium and thorium, which can easily be explained. On the other hand, CRs calculated for radium are in very good agreement with those reported in the literature. The DCCs exhibited some small differences between the reference and the assessment-specific organism due to mass differences. The differences were observed for internal and external dose rates, but they were less pronounced for total dose rates which are typically used in the assessment of radiological impact. The results of the current work can serve as a basis for further studies of the radiological parameters in environments that have not been studied yet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Sotiropoulou
- Environmental Radioactivity Laboratory, INRASTES, NCSR "Demokritos", Agia Paraskevi, 15310, Athens, Greece.
- Atomic and Nuclear Physics Laboratory, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece.
| | - Heleny Florou
- Environmental Radioactivity Laboratory, INRASTES, NCSR "Demokritos", Agia Paraskevi, 15310, Athens, Greece
| | - Georgios Kitis
- Atomic and Nuclear Physics Laboratory, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece
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41
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Jeffree RA, Johansen MP. Experimental comparison of the bioaccumulation of anthropogenic radionuclides by egg and juvenile life stages of a small shark. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2017; 178-179:430-438. [PMID: 28336181 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2017.02.005] [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: 11/27/2016] [Revised: 02/01/2017] [Accepted: 02/06/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
This study compared the bioaccumulation of anthropogenic nuclides (65Zn, 134Cs, 60Co and 241Am) between the egg and juvenile life stages of a small shark (Scyliorhinus canicula), based on previously published experimental data. Rates of accumulation over 15 days were derived and summed for the transfer pathways which were specific to these two life stages. Radionuclide transfers to the egg and its embryo & yolk were quantified for i) the maternal pathway following her uptake of radionuclides via food and seawater and ii) from seawater following its oviposition. For the juvenile, the transfer of radionuclides were measured for aqueous & dietary pathways. The results show that, compared to juveniles, eggs have equivalent rates of accumulation of 65Zn and 134Cs but enhanced accumulation of 241Am by a factor of five and of 60Co by two orders of magnitude. The radiological exposure of the embryo due to radionuclides maternally transferred to the embryo & yolk is also enhanced for the alpha-emitting 241Am. This enhanced accumulation of 241Am and 60Co, as well as the equivalent accumulation of 65Zn and 134Cs, suggest greater likely vulnerability to radiation damage in eggs as compared to juveniles. Radiological dose assessment confirmed highest doses to the egg which is predominantly due to accumulated 241Am.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ross A Jeffree
- Faculty of Science, C3, University of Technology, Sydney, P.O. Box 123, Broadway, NSW, 2007, Australia.
| | - Mathew P Johansen
- Australian Nuclear Science & Technology Organisation, Lucas Heights, NSW, Australia
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Medley P, Doering C, Evans F, Bollhöfer A. Natural radionuclides and stable elements in weaver ants (Oecophylla smaragdina) from tropical northern Australia. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2017; 178-179:404-410. [PMID: 28528654 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2017.05.003] [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: 12/16/2016] [Revised: 04/04/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Natural radionuclides and stable elements were measured in weaver ants, leaves and soils collected from three sites in tropical northern Australia. Radionuclide concentration ratios for ants relative to soil were derived from the measurements and used to refine the current environmental radiological assessment for remediation of Ranger uranium mine. Use of site-specific concentration ratios for weaver ants gave a more conservative estimate of environmental exposure to the arthropod wildlife group than use of default concentration ratios in the ERICA Tool. This was primarily because the 226Ra concentration ratio for weaver ants was more than 7 times greater than for generic arthropods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Medley
- Environmental Research Institute of the Supervising Scientist (ERISS), GPO Box 461, Darwin, NT 0801, Australia.
| | - Che Doering
- Environmental Research Institute of the Supervising Scientist (ERISS), GPO Box 461, Darwin, NT 0801, Australia
| | - Fiona Evans
- Environmental Research Institute of the Supervising Scientist (ERISS), GPO Box 461, Darwin, NT 0801, Australia
| | - Andreas Bollhöfer
- Environmental Research Institute of the Supervising Scientist (ERISS), GPO Box 461, Darwin, NT 0801, Australia; Federal Office for Radiation Protection (Bundesamt für Strahlenschutz, BfS), 79098 Freiburg, Germany
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Skoko B, Marović G, Babić D, Šoštarić M, Jukić M. Plant uptake of 238U, 235U, 232Th, 226Ra, 210Pb and 40K from a coal ash and slag disposal site and control soil under field conditions: A preliminary study. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2017; 172:113-121. [PMID: 28342343 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2017.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2016] [Revised: 03/03/2017] [Accepted: 03/10/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the uptake of 238U, 235U, 232Th, 226Ra, 210Pb and 40K by plants that grow on a coal ash and slag disposal site known for its higher content of naturally occurring radionuclides. Plant species that were sampled are common for the Mediterranean flora and can be divided as follows: grasses & herbs, shrubs and trees. To compare the activity concentrations and the resultant concentration ratios of the disposal site with those in natural conditions, we used control data specific for the research area, obtained for plants growing on untreated natural soil. Radionuclide activity concentrations were determined by high resolution gamma-ray spectrometry. Media parameters (pH, electrical conductivity and organic matter content) were also analysed. We confirmed significantly higher activity concentrations of 238U, 235U, 226Ra and 210Pb in ash and slag compared to control soil. However, a significant increase in the radionuclide activity concentration in the disposal site's vegetation was observed only for 226Ra. On the contrary, a significantly smaller activity concentration of 40K in ash and slag had no impact on its activity concentration in plant samples. The calculated plant uptake of 238U, 235U, 226Ra and 210Pb is significantly smaller in comparison with the uptake at the control site, while it is vice versa for 40K. No significant difference was observed between the disposal site and the control site's plant uptake of 232Th. These results can be the foundation for further radioecological assessment of this disposal site but also, globally, they can contribute to a better understanding of nature and long-term management of such disposal sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Božena Skoko
- 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.
| | - Dinko Babić
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska cesta 2, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Marko Šoštarić
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska cesta 2, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Mirela Jukić
- Andrija Stampar Teaching Institute of Public Health, Mirogojska 16, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
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Konovalenko L, Bradshaw C, Andersson E, Lindqvist D, Kautsky U. Evaluation of factors influencing accumulation of stable Sr and Cs in lake and coastal fish. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2016; 160:64-79. [PMID: 27153476 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2016.04.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2015] [Revised: 04/06/2016] [Accepted: 04/18/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
As a result of nuclear accidents and weapons tests, the radionuclides Cs-137 and Sr-90 are common contaminants in aquatic ecosystems. Concentration ratios (CR) based on concentrations of stable Cs and Sr in biota and media are used for the estimation of transfer of their radioisotopes for radiation dose calculations in environmental and human safety assessments. Available element-specific CRs vary by over an order of magnitude for similar organisms, thus affecting the dose estimates proportionally. The variation could be reduced if they were based on a better understanding of the influence of the underlying data and how that affects accumulation and potential biomagnification of stable Cs and Sr in aquatic organisms. For fish, relationships have been identified between water concentrations of K and CR of Cs-137, and between water concentrations of Ca and CR of Sr-90. This has not been confirmed for stable Cs and Sr in European waters. In this study, we analysed an existing dataset for stable Cs and Sr, as well as K and Ca, in four Swedish lakes and three Baltic Sea coastal areas, in order to understand the behaviour of these elements and their radioisotopes in these ecosystems. We found significant seasonal variations in the water concentrations of Cs, Sr, K and Ca, and in electrical conductivity (EC), especially in the lakes. CR values based on measurements taken at single or few time points may, therefore, be inaccurate or introduce unnecessarily large variation into risk assessments. Instead, we recommend incorporating information about the underlying variation in water concentrations into the CR calculations, for example by using the variation of the mean. The inverse relationships between fish CR(Cs)-[K]water and fish CR(Sr)-[Ca]water, confirmed that stable Cs and Sr follow the same trends as their radioisotopes. Thus, they can be used as proxies when radioisotope data are lacking. EC was also strongly correlated with K and Ca concentrations in the water and could potentially be used as a quick and cost-effective method to estimate water chemistry to obtain less variable CR. We also recommend some simple improvements to data collection that would greatly enhance our ability to understand Cs and Sr uptake by fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Konovalenko
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences, (DEEP), Stockholm University, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - C Bradshaw
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences, (DEEP), Stockholm University, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - E Andersson
- Swedish Nuclear Fuel and Waste Management Co, (SKB), Box 250, 10124 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - D Lindqvist
- Department of Environmental Science and Analytical Chemistry, (ACES), Stockholm University, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - U Kautsky
- Swedish Nuclear Fuel and Waste Management Co, (SKB), Box 250, 10124 Stockholm, Sweden.
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Tuovinen TS, Kolehmainen M, Roivainen P, Kumlin T, Makkonen S, Holopainen T, Juutilainen J. Nonlinear transfer of elements from soil to plants: impact on radioecological modeling. RADIATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL BIOPHYSICS 2016; 55:393-400. [PMID: 27262316 DOI: 10.1007/s00411-016-0655-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2016] [Accepted: 05/27/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
In radioecology, transfer of radionuclides from soil to plants is typically described by a concentration ratio (CR), which assumes linearity of transfer with soil concentration. Nonlinear uptake is evidenced in many studies, but it is unclear how it should be taken into account in radioecological modeling. In this study, a conventional CR-based linear model, a nonlinear model derived from observed uptake into plants, and a new simple model based on the observation that nonlinear uptake leads to a practically constant concentration in plant tissues are compared. The three models were used to predict transfer of (234)U, (59)Ni and (210)Pb into spruce needles. The predictions of the nonlinear and the new model were essentially similar. In contrast, plant radionuclide concentration was underestimated by the linear model when the total element concentration in soil was relatively low, but within the range commonly observed in nature. It is concluded that the linear modeling could easily be replaced by a new approach that more realistically reflects the true processes involved in the uptake of elements into plants. The new modeling approach does not increase the complexity of modeling in comparison with CR-based linear models, and data needed for model parameters (element concentrations) are widely available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiina S Tuovinen
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, 70211, Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Mikko Kolehmainen
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, 70211, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Päivi Roivainen
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, 70211, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Timo Kumlin
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, 70211, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Sari Makkonen
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, 70211, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Toini Holopainen
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, 70211, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jukka Juutilainen
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, 70211, Kuopio, Finland
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46
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Shishkina EA, Pryakhin EA, Popova IY, Osipov DI, Tikhova Y, Andreyev SS, Shaposhnikova IA, Egoreichenkov EA, Styazhkina EV, Deryabina LV, Tryapitsina GA, Melnikov V, Rudolfsen G, Teien HC, Sneve MK, Akleyev AV. Evaluation of distribution coefficients and concentration ratios of (90)Sr and (137)Cs in the Techa River and the Miass River. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2016; 158-159:148-163. [PMID: 27105147 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2016.04.005] [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: 11/23/2015] [Revised: 03/31/2016] [Accepted: 04/04/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Empirical data on the behavior of radionuclides in aquatic ecosystems are needed for radioecological modeling, which is commonly used for predicting transfer of radionuclides, estimating doses, and assessing possible adverse effects on species and communities. Preliminary studies of radioecological parameters including distribution coefficients and concentration ratios, for (90)Sr and (137)Cs were not in full agreement with the default values used in the ERICA Tool and the RESRAD BIOTA codes. The unique radiation situation in the Techa River, which was contaminated by long-lived radionuclides ((90)Sr and (137)Cs) in the middle of the last century allows improved knowledge about these parameters for river systems. Therefore, the study was focused on the evaluation of radioecological parameters (distribution coefficients and concentration ratios for (90)Sr and (137)Cs) for the Techa River and the Miass River, which is assumed as a comparison waterbody. To achieve the aim the current contamination of biotic and abiotic components of the river ecosystems was studied; distribution coefficients for (90)Sr and (137)Cs were calculated; concentration ratios of (90)Sr and (137)Cs for three fish species (roach, perch and pike), gastropods and filamentous algae were evaluated. Study results were then compared with default values available for use in the well-known computer codes ERICA Tool and RESRAD BIOTA (when site-specific data are not available). We show that the concentration ratios of (137)Cs in whole fish bodies depend on the predominant type of nutrition (carnivores and phytophagous). The results presented here are useful in the context of improving of tools for assessing concentrations of radionuclides in biota, which could rely on a wider range of ecosystem information compared with the process limited the current versions of ERICA and RESRAD codes. Further, the concentration ratios of (90)Sr are species-specific and strongly dependent on Ca(2+) concentration in water. The universal characteristic allows us to combine the data of fish caught in the water with different mineralization by multiplying the concentration of Ca(2+). The concentration ratios for fishes were well-fitted by Generalized Logistic Distribution function (GLD). In conclusion, the GLD can be used for probabilistic modeling of the concentration ratios in freshwater fishes to improve the confidence in the modeling results. This is important in the context of risk assessment and regulatory.
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Affiliation(s)
- E A Shishkina
- Urals Research Center for Radiation Medicine, 68A, Vorovsky Str., 454076 Chelyabinsk, Russia.
| | - E A Pryakhin
- Urals Research Center for Radiation Medicine, 68A, Vorovsky Str., 454076 Chelyabinsk, Russia
| | - I Ya Popova
- Urals Research Center for Radiation Medicine, 68A, Vorovsky Str., 454076 Chelyabinsk, Russia
| | - D I Osipov
- Urals Research Center for Radiation Medicine, 68A, Vorovsky Str., 454076 Chelyabinsk, Russia
| | - Yu Tikhova
- Urals Research Center for Radiation Medicine, 68A, Vorovsky Str., 454076 Chelyabinsk, Russia
| | - S S Andreyev
- Urals Research Center for Radiation Medicine, 68A, Vorovsky Str., 454076 Chelyabinsk, Russia
| | - I A Shaposhnikova
- Urals Research Center for Radiation Medicine, 68A, Vorovsky Str., 454076 Chelyabinsk, Russia
| | - E A Egoreichenkov
- Urals Research Center for Radiation Medicine, 68A, Vorovsky Str., 454076 Chelyabinsk, Russia; Chelyabinsk State University, Chelyabinsk, Russia
| | - E V Styazhkina
- Urals Research Center for Radiation Medicine, 68A, Vorovsky Str., 454076 Chelyabinsk, Russia
| | - L V Deryabina
- Urals Research Center for Radiation Medicine, 68A, Vorovsky Str., 454076 Chelyabinsk, Russia
| | - G A Tryapitsina
- Urals Research Center for Radiation Medicine, 68A, Vorovsky Str., 454076 Chelyabinsk, Russia; Chelyabinsk State University, Chelyabinsk, Russia
| | - V Melnikov
- Urals Research Center for Radiation Medicine, 68A, Vorovsky Str., 454076 Chelyabinsk, Russia
| | - G Rudolfsen
- Norwegian Radiation Protection Authority, Oslo, Norway; University of Tromsø, Tromsø, Norway
| | - H-C Teien
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences (UMB), Center of Excellence in Environmental Radioactivity (CERAD), Ås, Norway
| | - M K Sneve
- Norwegian Radiation Protection Authority, Oslo, Norway
| | - A V Akleyev
- Urals Research Center for Radiation Medicine, 68A, Vorovsky Str., 454076 Chelyabinsk, Russia; Chelyabinsk State University, Chelyabinsk, Russia
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Dallas LJ, Devos A, Fievet B, Turner A, Lyons BP, Jha AN. Radiation dose estimation for marine mussels following exposure to tritium: Best practice for use of the ERICA tool in ecotoxicological studies. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2016; 155-156:1-6. [PMID: 26874225 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2016.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2015] [Revised: 01/26/2016] [Accepted: 01/27/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Accurate dosimetry is critically important for ecotoxicological and radioecological studies on the potential effects of environmentally relevant radionuclides, such as tritium ((3)H). Previous studies have used basic dosimetric equations to estimate dose from (3)H exposure in ecologically important organisms, such as marine mussels. This study compares four different methods of estimating dose to adult mussels exposed to 1 or 15 MBq L(-1) tritiated water (HTO) under laboratory conditions. These methods were (1) an equation converting seawater activity concentrations to dose rate with fixed parameters; (2) input into the ERICA tool of seawater activity concentrations only; (3) input into the ERICA tool of estimated whole organism concentrations (woTACs), comprising dry activity plus estimated tissue free water tritium (TFWT) activity (TFWT volume × seawater activity concentration); and (4) input into the ERICA tool of measured whole organism activity concentrations, comprising dry activity plus measured TFWT activity (TFWT volume × TFWT activity concentration). Methods 3 and 4 are recommended for future ecotoxicological experiments as they produce values for individual animals and are not reliant on transfer predictions (estimation of concentration ratio). Method 1 may be suitable if measured whole organism concentrations are not available, as it produced results between 3 and 4. As there are technical complications to accurately measuring TFWT, we recommend that future radiotoxicological studies on mussels or other aquatic invertebrates measure whole organism activity in non-dried tissues (i.e. incorporating TFWT and dry activity as one, rather than as separate fractions) and input this data into the ERICA tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorna J Dallas
- School of Biological Sciences, Plymouth University, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK
| | - Alexandre Devos
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Surete Nucleaire, PRP-ENV/SERIS/Laboratoire de Radioecologie de Cherbourg-Octeville, Rue Max Pol Fouchet, BP 10, 50130 Cherbourg Octeville, France
| | - Bruno Fievet
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Surete Nucleaire, PRP-ENV/SERIS/Laboratoire de Radioecologie de Cherbourg-Octeville, Rue Max Pol Fouchet, BP 10, 50130 Cherbourg Octeville, France
| | - Andrew Turner
- School of Geography, Earth & Environmental Sciences, Plymouth University, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK
| | - Brett P Lyons
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, The Nothe, Barrack Road, Weymouth, DT4 8UB, UK
| | - Awadhesh N Jha
- School of Biological Sciences, Plymouth University, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK.
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48
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Brown J, Hosseini A, Karcher M, Kauker F, Dowdall M, Schnur R, Strand P. Derivation of risk indices and analysis of variablility for the management of incidents involving the transport of nuclear materials in the Northern Seas. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2016; 171:195-203. [PMID: 26895720 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2016.02.012] [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: 11/12/2015] [Revised: 01/22/2016] [Accepted: 02/08/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The transport of nuclear or radioactive materials and the presence of nuclear powered vessels pose risks to the Northern Seas in terms of potential impacts to man and environment as well socio-economic impacts. Management of incidents involving actual or potential releases to the marine environment are potentially difficult due to the complexity of the environment into which the release may occur and difficulties in quantifying risk to both man and environment. In order to address this, a state of the art oceanographic model was used to characterize the underlying variability for a specific radionuclide release scenario. The resultant probabilistic data were used as inputs to transfer and dose models providing an indication of potential impacts for man and environment This characterization was then employed to facilitate a rapid means of quantifying risk to man and the environment that included and addressed this variability. The radionuclide specific risk indices derived can be applied by simply multiplying the reported values by the magnitude of the source term and thereafter summing over all radionuclides to provide an indication of total risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Brown
- Norwegian Radiation Protection Authority, PO Box 55, N-1332 Østerås, Norway; CERAD, Ås, Norway
| | - A Hosseini
- Norwegian Radiation Protection Authority, PO Box 55, N-1332 Østerås, Norway; CERAD, Ås, Norway
| | - M Karcher
- O.A.Sys - Ocean Atmosphere Systems GmbH, Tewessteg 420249 Hamburg, Germany; Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research, 27515 Bremerhaven, Germany
| | - F Kauker
- O.A.Sys - Ocean Atmosphere Systems GmbH, Tewessteg 420249 Hamburg, Germany; Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research, 27515 Bremerhaven, Germany
| | - M Dowdall
- Norwegian Radiation Protection Authority, PO Box 55, N-1332 Østerås, Norway.
| | - R Schnur
- O.A.Sys - Ocean Atmosphere Systems GmbH, Tewessteg 420249 Hamburg, Germany
| | - P Strand
- Norwegian Radiation Protection Authority, PO Box 55, N-1332 Østerås, Norway; CERAD, Ås, Norway
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49
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Beresford NA, Gaschak S, Maksimenko A, Wood MD. The transfer of (137)Cs, Pu isotopes and (90)Sr to bird, bat and ground-dwelling small mammal species within the Chernobyl exclusion zone. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2016; 153:231-236. [PMID: 26808224 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2015.12.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2015] [Revised: 12/29/2015] [Accepted: 12/30/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Protected species are the focus of many radiological environmental assessments. However, the lack of radioecological data for many protected species presents a significant international challenge. Furthermore, there are legislative restrictions on destructive sampling of protected species to obtain such data. Where data are not available, extrapolations are often made from 'similar' species but there has been little attempt to validate this approach. In this paper we present what, to our knowledge, is the first study purposefully designed to test the hypothesis that radioecological data for unprotected species can be used to estimate conservative radioecolgical parameters for protected species; conservatism being necessary to ensure that there is no significant impact. The study was conducted in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone. Consequently, we are able to present data for Pu isotopes in terrestrial wildlife. There has been limited research on Pu transfer to terrestrial wildlife which contrasts with the need to assess radiation exposure of wildlife to Pu isotopes around many nuclear facilities internationally. Our results provide overall support for the hypothesis that data for unprotected species can be used to adequately assess the impacts for ionising radiation on protected species. This is demonstrated for a range of mammalian and avian species. However, we identify one case, the shrew, for which data from other ground-dwelling small mammals would not lead to an appropriately conservative assessment of radiation impact. This indicates the need to further test our hypothesis across a range of species and ecosystems, and/or ensure adequate conservatism within assessments. The data presented are of value to those trying to more accurately estimate the radiation dose to wildlife in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, helping to reduce the considerable uncertainty in studies reporting dose-effect relationships for wildlife. A video abstract for this paper is available from: http://bit.ly/1JesKPc.
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Affiliation(s)
- N A Beresford
- Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Lancaster Environment Centre, Bailrigg, Lancaster LA1 4AP, UK; School of Environment & Life Sciences, University of Salford, Salford, M5 4WT, UK.
| | - S Gaschak
- Chernobyl Centre for Nuclear Safety, Radioactive Waste & Radioecology, International Radioecology Laboratory, 77th Gvardiiska Dyviiya str.11, P.O. Box 151, 07100 Slavutych, Kiev Region, Ukraine
| | - Andrey Maksimenko
- Chernobyl Centre for Nuclear Safety, Radioactive Waste & Radioecology, International Radioecology Laboratory, 77th Gvardiiska Dyviiya str.11, P.O. Box 151, 07100 Slavutych, Kiev Region, Ukraine
| | - M D Wood
- School of Environment & Life Sciences, University of Salford, Salford, M5 4WT, UK
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50
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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: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.1] [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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