Bioaccumulation of natural radionuclides in molluscs from the Ebro Delta area

Abstract

Po, Pb,U, U,Th and Th were analysed in the edible part of four different species of bivalves typically produced and consumed in the Ebro Delta area. The results show that the main contributor to the radioactive content in these species wasPo, with values ranging between 263.1 ± 26.6 and 813.0 ± 72.9 Bq/kg (d.w.), which are higher than the usual reported activity levels in other geographical areas. This can probably be attributed to the activities of a phosphate industrial plant located upstream on the Ebro River, which may lead to enhanced levels of naturally occurring radioactive isotopes in the aquatic ecosystem. To determine the possible impact on health, the committed effective doses through the consumption of the different species were evaluated and the cumulative total annual effective dose for their consumption was estimated to 187.6 μSv/year, which is in the range of 200-1000 μSv/year given by UNSCEAR.

Levels of radionuclide concentrations in benthic invertebrate species from the Balearic Islands, Western Mediterranean, during 2012–2018

“…Moreover, the nearest geographical area in the western Mediterranean with available 210 Po data for mussels is the Ebro Delta (813.0 ± 72.9 Bq kg −1 ). Our results in M. galloprovincialis samples are lower than those reported in Ebro Delta probably due to the fact that the Ebro Delta is a highly industrialized area (Fonollosa et al, 2017).…”

“…The dose produced by 40 K is due to its beta emission and it is negligible compared to the radiation dose associated to 210 Po (UNSCEAR, 2008). Of all marine species, benthic invertebrates have been widely utilized as bioindicators for assessing the contamination and ecotoxicology taking place in the marine environment (Carvalho et al, 2010;Fonollosa et al, 2017;Francioni et al, 2007;Kiliç et al, 2014;Rožmarić et al, 2012;Thébault et al, 2008;Topcuoǧlu et al, 2003;Uǧur et al, 2011).…”

Baseline activity concentration of 210Po and 210Pb and dose assessment in bivalve molluscs at the Andalusian coast

“…Bivalve molluscs have been commonly used as first-order biological indicators of the contaminant levels, thus they are helpful for assessing the contamination and ecotoxicology in the marine environment (Carvalho et al, 2010;Fonollosa et al, 2017;Francioni et al, 2007;Kiliç et al, 2014;Rožmarić et al, 2012;Thébault et al, 2008;Topcuoǧlu et al, 2003;Uǧur et al, 2011).…”