Strontium-90 and cesium-137 levels in tissues of fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) and harp seal (Pagophilus groenlandicus)

Abstract

1970. Strontium-90 and cesium-137 levels in tissues of fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) and harp seal (Pagophilus groenlandicus). Can. J. Zool. 48: 267-269.9oSr and 137Cs were determined in 11 different tissues of the fin whale and 2 different tissues of the harp seal. Muscle tissue in most instances contained more 137Cs than did the other tissues that were examined. The average concentration of 137CS in whale muscle was 4.5 pCi/g ash and in adult seal muscle was 2.5 pCi /g ash. The highest concentration (3.5 pCi /g ash) of WSr was found in whale blubber.Can. J. Zool. Downloaded from www.nrcresearchpress.com by UNIV WINDSOR on 11/18/14For personal use only.

137Cs, 40K and 210Po in marine mammals from the southern Baltic Sea

“…We found that levels of 137 Cs generally were higher in muscle tissues compared to liver and kidney tissues (Table 2), as has been reported in previous studies in marine mammals (Samuel et al, 1970;Calmet et al, 1992). In harbor porpoises, the present study also identified positive correlations, between 137 Cs levels in muscle and liver (r = 0.71; p = 0.004) and between 137 Cs levels in kidney and liver (r = 0.71; p = 0.01).…”

Global Distribution of Radionuclides (137Cs and40K) in Marine Mammals

“…It is reported that marine mammals tend to accumulate 137 Cs to very high levels in their muscle rather than in other tissues such as livers and kidneys ( − ). Also, our preliminary study revealed that 137 Cs concentration in muscle was 3.7 times higher than in the liver of Caspian seal.…”

Transfer of60Co from midwater squid to sperm whales

“…There are several reports that have examined radionuclides in baleen whales, Mysticeti (Schulert, 1962;Samuels et al, 1970;Osterberg et aL, 1964b;Sachithananthan and Hiyama, 1965). The latter two studies detected 54Mn and ~sZn but never 6°Co in fin whales, except for fission products.…”