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Hayama SI, Tanaka A, Nakanishi S, Konno F, Kawamoto Y, Ochiai K, Omi T. Time dependence of 137Cs contamination in wild Japanese monkeys after the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:88359-88368. [PMID: 36308650 PMCID: PMC9672003 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-23707-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Over the 10 years immediately after the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident, we measured the changes in the muscle 137Cs concentration (Bq/kg) of wild Japanese monkeys living in Fukushima City, which is located approximately 70 km from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. The muscle137Csconcentration, which was observed at a maximum of 13,500 Bq/kg immediately after the accident, had decreased to several hundred Bq/kg 10 years later. The muscle 137Cs concentration was significantly related to the soil contamination levels (10,000-30,000, 30,000-60,000, 60,000-100,000, and 100,000-300,000 Bq/m2), sex, age class (immature, mature), body weight (> 5000 g, 5000-10,000 g, < 10,000 g), and seasons (the cold period from December to April, the warm period from May to November).The value of muscle 137Cs concentration and the aggregated transfer factor (Tag: calculated by dividing muscle 137Cs concentration [Bq/kg] by soil 137Cs deposition density at the capture site [Bq/m2]) apparently decreased with time for several years. However, post hoc pairwise comparisons showed no difference from 2017 to 2020, and the accumulation of 137Cs in muscle may continue for some time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shin-Ichi Hayama
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University, Musashino, Tokyo, 180-8602, Japan.
| | - Aki Tanaka
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University, Musashino, Tokyo, 180-8602, Japan
| | - Setsuko Nakanishi
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University, Musashino, Tokyo, 180-8602, Japan
| | - Fumiharu Konno
- Fukushima Mirai Agricultural Cooperative, Fukushima, 960-0185, Japan
- Tohoku Wildlife Management Center, Sendai, Miyagi, 989-3212, Japan
| | - Yoshi Kawamoto
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University, Musashino, Tokyo, 180-8602, Japan
- Primate Research Institute, Kyoto University, Inuyama, Aichi, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Ochiai
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University, Musashino, Tokyo, 180-8602, Japan
| | - Toshinori Omi
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University, Musashino, Tokyo, 180-8602, Japan
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Elliott T, Truong C, Jackson S, Zúñiga C, Trappe J, Vernes K. Mammalian mycophagy: A global review of ecosystem interactions between mammals and fungi. Fungal Syst Evol 2022; 9:99-159. [PMID: 36072820 PMCID: PMC9402283 DOI: 10.3114/fuse.2022.09.07] [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: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
The consumption of fungi by animals is a significant trophic interaction in most terrestrial ecosystems, yet the role mammals play in these associations has been incompletely studied. In this review, we compile 1 154 references published over the last 146 years and provide the first comprehensive global review of mammal species known to eat fungi (508 species in 15 orders). We review experimental studies that found viable fungal inoculum in the scats of at least 40 mammal species, including spores from at least 58 mycorrhizal fungal species that remained viable after ingestion by mammals. We provide a summary of mammal behaviours relating to the consumption of fungi, the nutritional importance of fungi for mammals, and the role of mammals in fungal spore dispersal. We also provide evidence to suggest that the morphological evolution of sequestrate fungal sporocarps (fruiting bodies) has likely been driven in part by the dispersal advantages provided by mammals. Finally, we demonstrate how these interconnected associations are widespread globally and have far-reaching ecological implications for mammals, fungi and associated plants in most terrestrial ecosystems. Citation: Elliott TF, Truong C, Jackson S, Zúñiga CL, Trappe JM, Vernes K (2022). Mammalian mycophagy: a global review of ecosystem interactions between mammals and fungi. Fungal Systematics and Evolution 9: 99-159. doi: 10.3114/fuse.2022.09.07.
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Affiliation(s)
- T.F. Elliott
- Ecosystem Management, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia
| | - C. Truong
- Instituto de Biología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Tercer Circuito s/n, Ciudad Universitaria, 04510 Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - S.M. Jackson
- Australian Museum Research Institute, Australian Museum, 1 William St., Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Division of Mammals, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC 20013-7012, USA
| | - C.L. Zúñiga
- Instituto de Biología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Tercer Circuito s/n, Ciudad Universitaria, 04510 Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - J.M. Trappe
- Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, USA
| | - K. Vernes
- Ecosystem Management, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia
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Abstract
The monitoring of radiocaesium in the ecosystems of particular areas in the Czech Republic is necessary even decades following the Chernobyl nuclear disaster. We report an evaluation of the radioactive contamination of the meat of wild boars hunted in the Novohradské (Gratzen) Mountains in the period of December 2012 to December 2019. Radionuclide 137Cs is surveyed for food safety as a source of food chain contamination and a possible risk for human health. Overall, 654 samples of game meat from wild boars were analysed for 137Cs activity. The 137Cs legal limit of 600 Bq·kg-1 was exceeded in 238 samples (36.4%) of hunted wild boar meat. Statistical analysis showed that 137Cs activities measured in wild boar muscle in March reached lower values compared to the period from June till November (P < 0.05). Higher values were reported in September (P < 0.05) as well as in August (P < 0.01) compared to December. A significant season-based 137Cs level was found (P < 0.000). Higher 137Cs activities in wild boar in the winter season (November to April) are related to decreasing access to a naturally occurring diet with a lower 137Cs content. The keepers of the wild boar in this area were ordered to comply with obligatory emergency veterinary precautions set by the Regional Veterinary Administration to analyse all hunted game meat for radiocaesium. All wild boars with an above-limit 137Cs value had to be excluded from the food chain by hunting ground keepers and disposed of safely.
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Oloś G, Dołhańczuk-Śródka A. Levels of 137Cs in game and soil in Opole Anomaly, Poland in 2012-2020. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 223:112577. [PMID: 34352577 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.112577] [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: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Once deposited, radiocesium remains in the environment for a long time, and constantly enters the food chain. Over time, game species tend to accumulate 137Cs by two orders of magnitude more than farm animals. This occurs especially in places heavily contaminated, thus meat products made out of local game should be treated with caution. One of such areas, known as the Opole Anomaly, is located in South-Western Poland and represents one of most 137Cs contaminated regions across Europe after the Chernobyl accident. The aim of the study was to find out the 137Cs activity in soil and local game, the value of the soil-to-game aggregated transfer factor and to assess the effective dose of the ionising radiation (Eeff) received by consumers of local game meat in years 2012-2019. We examined meat of three common game species: red deer, roe deer and wild boar for 137Cs activity. 137Cs activity in meat samples ranged from 0.14 to 592 Bq kg-1. The aggregated transfer factor (Tag) in game ranged from 0.006 to 0.01 m2 kg-1 f.w. for wild boar, 0.005-0.008 m2 kg-1 f.w. for roe deer, and 0.003-0.004 m2 kg-1 f.w. for red deer. The effective dose received by people who regularly consume local game meat ranged from less than 14.2 µSv y-1 to 134 µSv y-1, depending on the amount of differently contaminated game meat consumed annually. Even those for whom game is the only source of meat, consumption of wild boar along with local mushrooms and bilberries will, since 2012, not exceed the regulation limit of 137Cs at the level of 1 mSv y-1. By the best of our knowledge this is the first study regarding 137Cs activity in game and risk assessment from the most contaminated "post-Chernobyl" area in Poland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grzegorz Oloś
- Institute of Environmental Engineering and Biotechnology, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Technology, Opole University, Kominka Street 6, 45-032 Opole, Poland.
| | - Agnieszka Dołhańczuk-Śródka
- Institute of Environmental Engineering and Biotechnology, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Technology, Opole University, Kominka Street 6, 45-032 Opole, Poland
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Whiteside TS, Brand AD, Aucott TJ, DiPrete DP. Improved field-portable system to measure Cs-137 in wildlife. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2020; 223-224:106394. [PMID: 32861172 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2020.106394] [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: 05/21/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
We have developed an improved system to measure Cs-137 in wildlife at the Savannah River Site. This field-portable system consists of a shielded 5 cm by 10 cm by 40 cm NaI detector controlled by an Ametek Ortec Digibase. Measurement of an animal's radioactivity is made by placing the animal at a predefined location on the detector system for a one minute count-time. The counts, animal type, and animal weight are then used as inputs to an algorithm which calculates the amount of Cs-137 within the whole animal and within the edible meat portion of the animal. The results from these calculations are used to estimate the received dose from eating this animal and is included in the Savannah River Site's Hunter Dose Tracking System. This system has a detection limit of 0.60 pCi/g (22.20 Bq/kg) with a typical measurement uncertainty of less than 0.32 pCi/g (11.84 Bq/kg).
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Affiliation(s)
- Tad S Whiteside
- Savannah River National Laboratory, Savannah River Site, Aiken, SC 29808, United States of America.
| | - Alexander D Brand
- Savannah River National Laboratory, Savannah River Site, Aiken, SC 29808, United States of America.
| | - Timothy J Aucott
- Savannah River National Laboratory, Savannah River Site, Aiken, SC 29808, United States of America.
| | - David P DiPrete
- Savannah River National Laboratory, Savannah River Site, Aiken, SC 29808, United States of America.
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Koarashi J, Atarashi-Andoh M, Nishimura S, Muto K. Effectiveness of decontamination by litter removal in Japanese forest ecosystems affected by the Fukushima nuclear accident. Sci Rep 2020; 10:6614. [PMID: 32313049 PMCID: PMC7171154 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-63520-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident caused serious radiocesium (137Cs) contamination of forest ecosystems over a wide area. The removal of the forest floor litter layer has been considered a potential method for forest decontamination; however, its effectiveness remains largely unknown. We conducted a pilot-scale decontamination study in a deciduous broadleaved forest in Fukushima. The entire forest was decontaminated by removing the litter layer in July 2014, approximately 3.3 years after the accident, with the exception of two untreated plots. For three years after decontamination, we quantified 137Cs contamination levels in the litter and topsoil layers and in the tree leaves, in the untreated and decontaminated areas. The decreased inventories of litter materials and the litter-associated 137Cs in the decontaminated areas were observed only in the first year after decontamination. Generally, no decontamination effects were observed on the 137Cs transfer in tree leaves. The primary reason for this was the rapid shift in the main reservoir of 137Cs from litter layers to the underlying mineral soil, which differs from the observations in post-Chernobyl studies of European forest ecosystems. The results suggest that litter-removal decontamination can only be successful if it is implemented more quickly (within 1-2 years after the accident) for Japanese forest ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Koarashi
- Nuclear Science and Engineering Center, Japan Atomic Energy Agency, Ibaraki, 319-1195, Japan.
| | - Mariko Atarashi-Andoh
- Nuclear Science and Engineering Center, Japan Atomic Energy Agency, Ibaraki, 319-1195, Japan
| | - Syusaku Nishimura
- Nuclear Science and Engineering Center, Japan Atomic Energy Agency, Ibaraki, 319-1195, Japan
| | - Kotomi Muto
- Nuclear Science and Engineering Center, Japan Atomic Energy Agency, Ibaraki, 319-1195, Japan
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7
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A ten-year survey of radiocontamination of edible Balkan mushrooms: Cs-137 activity levels and assessed dose to the population. Food Control 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2018.05.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Wada S, Ito N, Watanabe M, Kakizaki T, Natsuhori M, Kawamata J, Urayama Y. Whole-Body Counter Evaluation of Internal Radioactive Cesium in Dogs and Cats Exposed to the Fukushima Nuclear Disaster. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0169365. [PMID: 28099476 PMCID: PMC5242420 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0169365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2016] [Accepted: 12/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
As a result of the 2011 nuclear incident that occurred at the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant, a large number of abandoned dogs and cats were left within the disaster zone. A small number of these animals were rescued and cared for at shelters. Prior to the dispersal of these animals to their owners or fosterers, we evaluated the degree of internal radiocesium contamination using a specially designed whole-body counter. We conducted 863 non-invasive measurements of gamma rays due to internal radioactive cesium for 68 dogs and 120 cats at one shelter. After plotting graphs of 137Cs density we generated exponential functions of decay from seven dogs and six cats. From the regression formulae, we were able to determine the biological half-lives as 38.2 days for dogs and 30.8 days for cats. We found that in dogs there was a correlation between the biological half-life of radioactive cesium and age. Using our data, we estimated whole-body densities for each cat and dog at the time when they were rescued. We found that there were deviations in the data distributions among the different species, likely due to the timing of rescue, or living habits prior to rescue. A significant correlation was found when extracted feline reproductive organs were analyzed; the coefficients for the estimation of whole-body densities were approximately 7-fold higher than those based on the extracted feline reproductive organs. This may be due to the fact that majority of the radioactive cesium accumulates within muscular tissue with less distribution in other organs. It is possible to plan the appropriate management period in an animal shelter based on the use of the biological half-life of radioactive cesium calculated in this study. We believe that the correlations we uncovered in this work would be of great use for the management of companion animals in the event of a future nuclear accident.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seiichi Wada
- Laboratory of Veterinary Radiology and Radiation Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Towada, Aomori, Japan
| | - Nobuhiko Ito
- Laboratory of Veterinary Radiology and Radiation Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Towada, Aomori, Japan
| | | | - Takehiko Kakizaki
- Laboratory of Veterinary Radiology and Radiation Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Towada, Aomori, Japan
| | - Masahiro Natsuhori
- Laboratory of Veterinary Radiology and Radiation Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Towada, Aomori, Japan
| | - Jun Kawamata
- Fukushima Veterinary Medical Association, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Yoshio Urayama
- Fukushima Headquarters for Animal Rescue, Fukushima, Fukushima, Japan
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9
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Tagami K, Howard BJ, Uchida S. The Time-Dependent Transfer Factor of Radiocesium from Soil to Game Animals in Japan after the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Accident. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2016; 50:9424-9431. [PMID: 27513196 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.6b03011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Since the Fukushima Dai-ichi accident, monitoring of tissues from hunted game animals ensures compliance with the standard food limits for radionuclides in Japan. We quantified the transfer of (137)Cs from contaminated land to game animals using the Aggregated transfer factor (Tag = activity concentration in meat [Bq kg(-1) fw]/amount in soil [Bq m(-2)]) of (137)Cs for Asian black bear, wild boar, sika deer, green pheasant, copper pheasant and wild duck, collected between 2011 and 2015. Open data sources were used from Fukushima, Miyagi, Ibaraki, Tochigi, and Gunma prefectures. Our initially compiled data showed that the maximum reported (137)Cs activity concentration in wild boar after the Fukushima Dai-ichi accident were lower than those reported after the Chernobyl accident. The geometric mean Tag values (m(2)kg(-1) fw) of (137)Cs in 2015 for Asian black bear, wild boar, sika deer and copper pheasant were similar (1.9-5.1) × 10(-3) while those for green pheasant and wild duck were about 1 order of magnitude lower at (1.0-2.2) × 10(-4). Effective half-lives were 1.2-6.9 y except for sika deer and copper pheasant where no decreases were found. In contrast to the Chernobyl accident, no seasonal change occurred in the meat (137)Cs activity concentrations of the wild animals during the study period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keiko Tagami
- Office of Biospheric Assessment for Waste Disposal, National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology : Anagawa 4-9-1, Inage-ku, Chiba 263-8555, Japan
| | - Brenda J Howard
- Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Lancaster Environment Centre: Library Avenue, Bailrigg, Lancaster, LA1 4AP, United Kingdom
| | - Shigeo Uchida
- Office of Biospheric Assessment for Waste Disposal, National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology : Anagawa 4-9-1, Inage-ku, Chiba 263-8555, Japan
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Beresford NA, Fesenko S, Konoplev A, Skuterud L, Smith JT, Voigt G. Thirty years after the Chernobyl accident: What lessons have we learnt? JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2016; 157:77-89. [PMID: 27018344 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2016.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2016] [Revised: 02/02/2016] [Accepted: 02/03/2016] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
April 2016 sees the 30(th) anniversary of the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. As a consequence of the accident populations were relocated in Belarus, Russia and Ukraine and remedial measures were put in place to reduce the entry of contaminants (primarily (134+137)Cs) into the human food chain in a number of countries throughout Europe. Remedial measures are still today in place in a number of countries, and areas of the former Soviet Union remain abandoned. The Chernobyl accident led to a large resurgence in radioecological studies both to aid remediation and to be able to make future predictions on the post-accident situation, but, also in recognition that more knowledge was required to cope with future accidents. In this paper we discuss, what in the authors' opinions, were the advances made in radioecology as a consequence of the Chernobyl accident. The areas we identified as being significantly advanced following Chernobyl were: the importance of semi-natural ecosystems in human dose formation; the characterisation and environmental behaviour of 'hot particles'; the development and application of countermeasures; the "fixation" and long term bioavailability of radiocaesium and; the effects of radiation on plants and animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- N A Beresford
- Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Lancaster Environment Centre, Bailrigg, Lancaster LA1 4AP, UK.
| | - S Fesenko
- International Atomic Energy Agency, 1400 Vienna, Austria
| | - A Konoplev
- Institute of Environmental Radioactivity, Fukushima University, Kanayagawa 1, Fukushima, 960-1296 Japan
| | - L Skuterud
- Norwegian Radiation Protection Authority, 1332 Østerås, Norway
| | - J T Smith
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Burnaby Building, Portsmouth, PO1 3QL, UK
| | - G Voigt
- r.e.m., Franz-Siegel-Gasse 26, 2380 Perchtoldsdorf, Austria
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11
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Šprem N, Piria M, Barišić D, Kusak J, Barišić D. Dietary items as possible sources of (137)Cs in large carnivores in the Gorski Kotar forest ecosystem, Western Croatia. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2016; 542:826-832. [PMID: 26556746 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.11.004] [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: 07/29/2015] [Revised: 11/02/2015] [Accepted: 11/02/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The mountain forest ecosystem of Gorski Kotar is distant from any significant sources of environmental pollution, though recent findings have revealed that this region is among the most intense (137)Cs contaminated area in Croatia. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate (137)Cs and (40)K load in three large predator species in the mountain forest ecosystem. Radionuclides mass activities were determined by the gamma-spectrometric method in the muscle tissue of brown bear (47), wolf (7), lynx (1) and golden jackal (2). The highest (137)Cs mass activity was found in lynx (153 Bq kg(-1)), followed by brown bear (132 Bq kg(-1)), wolf (22.2 Bq kg(-1)), and golden jackal (2.48 Bq kg(-1)). Analysis of 63 samples of dietary items suggests that they are not all potentially dominant sources of (137)Cs for wildlife. The most important source of radionuclides for the higher parts of the food-chain from the study area were found to be the mushroom species wood hedgehog (Hydnum repandum), with a transfer factor TF of 5.166, and blueberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) as a plant species (TF=2.096). Food items of animal origin indicated higher mass activity of radionuclides and therefore are possible moderate bioindicators of environmental pollution. The results also revealed that possible unknown wild animal food sources are a caesium source in the study region, and further study is required to illuminate this issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikica Šprem
- University of Zagreb, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Fisheries, Beekeeping, Game Management and Special Zoology, Svetošimunska cesta 25, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Marina Piria
- University of Zagreb, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Fisheries, Beekeeping, Game Management and Special Zoology, Svetošimunska cesta 25, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Domagoj Barišić
- University of Zagreb, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Fisheries, Beekeeping, Game Management and Special Zoology, Svetošimunska cesta 25, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Josip Kusak
- University of Zagreb, Veterinary Faculty, Department of Biology, Heinzelova 55, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Delko Barišić
- Laboratory for Radioecology, Centre for Marine and Environmental Research, Ruđer Bošković Institute, PO Box 160, Bijenička 54, 10002 Zagreb, Croatia
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12
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Kapała J, Mnich K, Mnich S, Karpińska M, Bielawska A. Time-dependence of ¹³⁷Cs activity concentration in wild game meat in Knyszyn Primeval Forest (Poland). JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2015; 141:76-81. [PMID: 25559242 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2014.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2013] [Revised: 10/28/2014] [Accepted: 11/17/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Wild game meat samples were analysed from the region of the Podlasie province (Knyszyn Primeval Forest). (137)Cs content in meat was determined by gamma spectrometry in 2003 (33 samples), 2009 (22 samples) and 2012 (26 samples). The samples were collected in the autumn of 2003, 2009 and 2012 and were compared with data from 1996. Mean concentrations of (137)Cs in the respective years were as follow: 42.2 Bq kg(-1), 33.7 Bq kg(-1) and 30.5 Bq kg(-1), respectively. On the basis of mean values of (137)Cs in the meat samples of red deer (Cervus elaphus), roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) and wild boars (Sus scrofa) between 1996/2012, the effective half-life of (137)Cs was determined for specific species. For red deer equaled 8.9 years, for roe deer 11.6 years while for wild boar it exceeded the physical half-life and equaled 38.5 years. Mean value CR obtained for all three species equaled 1.7 ± 1.5 out of 102 measurements in animals muscles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacek Kapała
- Medical University of Białystok, Department of Biophysics, 2A Mickiewicza Str., 15-222 Białystok, Poland.
| | - Krystian Mnich
- The Stanislaw Deresz Independent Psychiatric Healthcare Facility in Choroszcz, The Department of Neurology, The Physiotherapy and Remedial Improvement Unit, Poland
| | - Stanisław Mnich
- The State College of Computer Science and Business Administration in Lomza, Poland
| | - Maria Karpińska
- Medical University of Białystok, Department of Biophysics, 2A Mickiewicza Str., 15-222 Białystok, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Bielawska
- Medical University of Białystok, Department of Biophysics, 2A Mickiewicza Str., 15-222 Białystok, Poland
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Škrkal J, Rulík P, Fantínová K, Mihalík J, Timková J. Radiocaesium levels in game in the Czech Republic. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2015; 139:18-23. [PMID: 25464037 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2014.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2014] [Revised: 09/16/2014] [Accepted: 09/25/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The paper summarizes results of monitoring of (137)Cs activities in game species roaming in the woods over the territory of the Czech Republic for the time interval of 1986-2012. Geometric means and other statistical characteristics were estimated from the data sets on the assumption of log-normal distribution of the data from the time interval 2004-2012 where the character of data distribution had displayed no significant change. Geometric means (in Bq/kg) in meat were: wild boar 5.1, red deer 1.9, roe deer 0.77 and feathered game 0.14. The mean value in the less frequent game amounted to 0.36 Bq/kg. The geometrical standard deviation (GSD) widely varied from 1.6 to 21 for the studied species. Based on mass activity dependence on time, we assessed the effective and environmental half-lives of activity decline. For red deer and roe deer, the effective (137)Cs half-life was 2.9 and 3.2 years, and environmental half-life 3.2 and 3.6 years respectively. The effective half-life of (137)Cs in wild boar of 38 years was determined with large uncertainty and it shows constant influx of (137)Cs activity to the digestive tract of wild boars. A statistically significant season-based (137)Cs level was found in red deer and wild boar. Higher winter and spring activities of (137)Cs in wild boar are linked with decreasing access to naturally occurring food with lower (137)Cs content (chestnuts, acorns, and beech nuts), making boar grub around for ground-deposited food (often for mushrooms with higher activity). Higher winter activities of (137)Cs in red deer meat, most probably, are due to lower access to green diet in winter. The average annual committed effective dose for Czech population based on estimates of game species meat consumption between 2004 and 2012 was insignificant, only 0.03 μSv.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Škrkal
- Státní ústav radiační ochrany v.v.i., Bartoškova 28, Prague 4, Czech Republic.
| | - Petr Rulík
- Státní ústav radiační ochrany v.v.i., Bartoškova 28, Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Karin Fantínová
- Státní ústav radiační ochrany v.v.i., Bartoškova 28, Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Ján Mihalík
- Státní ústav radiační ochrany v.v.i., Bartoškova 28, Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Timková
- Státní ústav radiační ochrany v.v.i., Bartoškova 28, Prague 4, Czech Republic
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Rispoli FJ, Green T, Fasano TA, Shah V. The effect of environmental remediation on the cesium-137 levels in white-tailed deer. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 21:11598-11602. [PMID: 25028321 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-014-3143-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2014] [Accepted: 06/02/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Due to activities involving nuclear energy research during the latter half of the 1900 s, environmental contamination in the form of elevated cesium-137 levels was observed within the Brookhaven National Laboratory, a US Department of Energy facility. Between the years 2000 and 2005, the laboratory carried out a major soil cleanup effort to remove cesium-137 from contaminated sites. In this study, we examine the effectiveness of the cleanup effort by comparing the levels of cesium-137 in the meat of white-tailed deer found within and around the laboratory. Results suggest that the cleanup was effective, with mean concentration of cesium-137 in the meat from within the laboratory decreasing from 2.04 Bq/g prior to 1.22 Bq/g after cleanup. At the current level, the consumption of deer would not pose any human health hazard. Nevertheless, statistically higher levels of cesium-137 were detected in the deer within the laboratory as opposed to levels found in deer 1 mi beyond the laboratory site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fred J Rispoli
- Department of Mathematics, Dowling College, Oakdale, NY, 11769, USA,
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Mihalík J, Bartusková M, Hölgye Z, Ježková T, Henych O. Fractionation of (137)Cs and Pu in natural peatland. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2014; 134:14-20. [PMID: 24631917 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2014.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2013] [Revised: 02/13/2014] [Accepted: 02/16/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
High Cs-137 concentrations in plants growing on peatland inspired us to investigate the quantity of its bioavailable fraction in natural peat. Our investigation aims to: a) estimate the quantity of bioavailable Cs-137 and Pu present in peat, b) verify the similarity of Cs-137 and K-40 behaviours, and c) perform a quantification of Cs-137 and Pu transfer from peat to plants. We analysed the vertical distribution of Cs-137 and Pu isotopes in the peat and their concentrations in plants growing on these places. Bioavailability of radionuclides was investigated by sequential extraction. Sequential analyses revealed that it was the upper layer which contained the majority of Cs-137 in an available form while deeper layers retained Cs-137 in immobile fractions. We can conclude that 18% of all Cs-137 in the peat is still bioavailable. Despite of the low quantity of bioavailable fraction of Cs-137 its transfer factor reached extremely high values. In the case of Pu, 64% of its total amount was associated with fulvic/humic acids which resulted in the high transfer factor from peat to plants. 27 years after the Chernobyl nuclear accident, the significant part of radionuclides deposited in peatland is still bioavailable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ján Mihalík
- National Radiation Protection Institute, Bartoškova 28, 14000 Prague 4, Czech Republic.
| | - Miluše Bartusková
- National Radiation Protection Institute, Syllabova 21, Ostrava, Czech Republic
| | - Zoltán Hölgye
- National Radiation Protection Institute, Bartoškova 28, 14000 Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Tereza Ježková
- National Radiation Protection Institute, Bartoškova 28, 14000 Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Ondřej Henych
- National Radiation Protection Institute, Bartoškova 28, 14000 Prague 4, Czech Republic
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Radioactivity in mushrooms: A health hazard? Food Chem 2014; 154:14-25. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2013.12.083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2013] [Revised: 11/20/2013] [Accepted: 12/19/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Abstract
Abstract
The unique physiology and the layered structure of forest ecosystems result in dynamic transport and transfer processes which greatly differ from those in agricultural ecosystems. Radionuclides are retained in the upper organic horizons of forest soil for several decades and remain highly available for uptake by fungi and green plants. Contamination levels of mushrooms and game may therefore by far exceed those of agricultural produce. The efficient cycling of nutrients and radionuclides, which is characteristic for ecosystems poor in nutrients, can largely be attributed to forest soil with its complex and multi-layered structure and fungal activity. Fungi directly affect dynamic processes, playing a key role in the mobilization, uptake and translocation of nutrients and radionuclides. Fungal fruit bodies may be highly contaminated foodstuff and fodder. They are most likely the cause of the surprising trend of increasing contamination of wild boar which has been observed in the last few years in Germany. This paper is intended to give a qualitative survey of dynamic transport processes in forests and their relevance for radiation exposure to man.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Steiner
- Federal Office for Radiation Protection, Ingolstaedter Landstr. 1, 85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany, E-mail:
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Meli MA, Cantaluppi C, Desideri D, Benedetti C, Feduzi L, Ceccotto F, Fasson A. Radioactivity measurements and dosimetric evaluation in meat of wild and bred animals in central Italy. Food Control 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2012.07.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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Vinichuk M, Rosén K, Dahlberg A. 137Cs in fungal sporocarps in relation to vegetation in a bog, pine swamp and forest along a transect. CHEMOSPHERE 2013; 90:713-720. [PMID: 23102726 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2012.09.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2012] [Revised: 08/21/2012] [Accepted: 09/18/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we estimated the relative importance of vegetation and fungi for radiocesium uptake and biological retention in adjacent bog, pine swamp, and forest. The measurements for (137)Cs activity concentration in sporocarps (i.e. fruitbodies of fungi) and vegetation along a bog to forest transect were combined with complementary published data to calculate estimates. Aboveground vegetation comprised 17.7% of the total fallout-derived radiocesium in the system in bog, 16.5% in pine swamp, and 40.6% in forest. In fungal sporocarps grown along a gradient, (137)Cs activity comprised <0.001% of the total radiocesium for peat bog, <0.02% for pine swamp, and 0.11% for forest. Total (137)Cs activity in sporocarps increased along the gradient due to increased production of sporocarps in the presence of trees from 0.006 (bog), 0.097 (pine swamp) and 0.67 (forest) g dwt m(-2). Based on calculation of the total vegetation biomass and through relationships between fungal biomass in sporocarps and as mycelia in soil, the total (137)Cs activity located in fungi was estimated as 0.1% in bog, 2% in pine swamp, and 11% in forest. An analysis of the time-dependency of (137)Cs in the sporocarps in forest between 1990 and 2011 suggested an ecological half-life for (137)Cs between 8 and 13 years. Although fungi comprised a relatively small fraction of the total radiocesium in the systems, its activity decreased slowly with time, and ecological residence time for (137)Cs in sporocarps of fungi was long, suggesting they will continue to contribute to the accumulation and cycling of this radionuclide in forest.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Vinichuk
- Department of Soil and Environment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SLU, Box 7014, SE-75007 Uppsala, Sweden.
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Rachubik J. 137Cs activity concentration in wild boar meat may still exceed the permitted levels. EPJ WEB OF CONFERENCES 2012. [DOI: 10.1051/epjconf/20122406006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
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Semizhon T, Putyrskaya V, Zibold G, Klemt E. Time-dependency of the 137Cs contamination of wild boar from a region in Southern Germany in the years 1998 to 2008. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2009; 100:988-992. [PMID: 19616349 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2009.06.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2009] [Revised: 06/12/2009] [Accepted: 06/26/2009] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Following the Chernobyl accident, (137)Cs contamination levels of wild boar in some districts of Southern Germany are still exceeding thousands of Bq kg(-1). While the long term (137)Cs concentration in forest plants, mushrooms, and roe deer meat has decreased significantly, for wild boar it has remained constant during the last decade. Between 1998 and 2008, we analysed the muscle meat of 656 wild boars shot in the district ("Landkreis") Ravensburg. The (137)Cs activity concentration showed considerable variability from less than 5 up to 8266 Bq kg(-1) and it followed a seasonal pattern, which is attributed to changes in dietary habits, fodder availability, meteorological conditions and specific behaviour of (137)Cs in wild boar organism. T(ag) values for wild boars from the district Ravensburg varied from 0.008 to 0.062 m(2)kg(-1) during 2000-2008.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Semizhon
- Hochschule Ravensburg-Weingarten, University of Applied Sciences, 88250 Weingarten, Germany
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Fielitz U, Klemt E, Strebl F, Tataruch F, Zibold G. Seasonality of 137Cs in roe deer from Austria and Germany. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2009; 100:241-249. [PMID: 19162381 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2008.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2007] [Revised: 09/14/2008] [Accepted: 12/15/2008] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Empirical data on the (137)Cs activity concentration in meat of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) roaming in 3 spruce forest areas and one peat bog area are presented and compared. They cover time series of nearly 20 years after a spike contamination in 1986 originating from Chernobyl. A model is presented which considers three soil compartments to describe the change of the availability of (137)Cs with time. The time-dependency of the (137)Cs activity concentration in meat of roe deer is a combination of two components: (1) an exponential decay and (2) a peak in the second half of each year during the mushroom season. The exponential decay over the years can be described by a sum of two exponential functions. The additional transfer of (137)Cs into roe deer during the mushroom season depends on precipitation. On the peat bog the (137)Cs activity concentration in roe deer is higher and more persistent than in spruce forest.
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Affiliation(s)
- U Fielitz
- Environmental Studies, Thomasberg 33, D-37115 Duderstadt, Germany.
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Skwarzec B, Prucnal M. Accumulation of polonium 210Po in tissues and organs of deer carvidae from Northern Poland. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART. B, PESTICIDES, FOOD CONTAMINANTS, AND AGRICULTURAL WASTES 2007; 42:335-41. [PMID: 17454388 DOI: 10.1080/03601230701229346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
This study was undertaken to provide information on accumulation of polonium in tissues and organs of deer carvidae in order to assess the potential transport of this element via food-chain to game meat consumers. Livers, kidneys and muscles of large herbivorous animals belonging to three species: roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), red deer (Cervus elaphus) and fallow deer (Dama dama), collected in Northern Poland, were the subject of the present investigation. Activities of (210)Po were determined by means of alpha spectrometry along with relevant radiochemical procedures. The concentration of (210)Po in analyzed animals decreased in the order kidney > liver > muscle tissue. The average activity concentrations of (210)Po ranged between 0.02 +/- 0.01 Bq. kg(- 1) w.w. in muscles and 7.15 +/- 0.12 Bq. kg(- 1) w.w. in kidneys. Levels of polonium were not influenced by sampling location, sex, age and species of animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bogdan Skwarzec
- Chemistry Department, University of Gdansk, Sobieskiego, Poland.
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Strebl F, Tataruch F. Time trends (1986-2003) of radiocesium transfer to roe deer and wild boar in two Austrian forest regions. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2007; 98:137-52. [PMID: 17761363 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2006.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2005] [Revised: 02/28/2006] [Accepted: 02/28/2006] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Starting shortly after the Chernobyl accident, samples of roe deer and wild boar from two comparatively highly contaminated Austrian forest stands have been regularly analysed for (137)Cs. Until 1995 average (137)Cs concentrations exceeded 1000 Bq kg(-1) in both roe deer and wild boar. Long-term and seasonal trends are similar in both investigation sites. While (137)Cs aggregated transfer factor (T(ag)) values show a significant decreasing trend in roe deer (ecological half-time 8.6 and 7.2 years, respectively), T(ag)-values in wild boar are highly variable, but rather increasing values are observed over the last years. T(ag)-values for roe deer are between 0.04 and 0.008 m(2)kg(-1) fresh weight (1987-2003); values for wild boar are between 0.008 m(2)kg(-1) (1988) and 0.046 m(2)kg(-1) (1996) fresh weight. Seasonal trends for both species are in good agreement with observations from German forests: increased mushroom ingestion leads to higher (137)Cs T(ag)-values for roe deer in the second half of the year (August-December) compared to the first half (January-July). T(ag)-values for wild boar are highest in the first half of the year.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Strebl
- Austrian Research Centers GmbH - ARC, Radiation Safety and Applications, A-2444 Seibersdorf, Austria.
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Hohmann U, Huckschlag D. Investigations on the radiocaesium contamination of wild boar (Sus scrofa) meat in Rhineland-Palatinate: a stomach content analysis. EUR J WILDLIFE RES 2005. [DOI: 10.1007/s10344-005-0108-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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