The derivation of radionuclide transfer parameters for and dose-rates to an adult ringed seal (Phoca hispida) in an Arctic environment.
Radionuclide transfer parameters and dose-rates for an adult ringed seal from Svalbard have been determined based on empirical and estimated tissue activity concentrations and detailed dietary and habitat information. Whole-body equivalent concentration factors determined for anthropogenic radionuclides ranged from 10(1) ((90)Sr) to 10(2) ((137)Cs, (238)Pu and (239,240)Pu), while natural radionuclides ranged from 10(2) ((210)Pb) to 10(4) ((210)Po). Employing a dietary composition of 40% fish, 40% zooplankton and 20% benthic invertebrates, a whole-body biological half-life of 29 days was derived for (137)Cs. A total dose-rate of approximately 0.19microGyh(-1) (1.7mGya(-1)) was derived for an adult ringed seal; this dose-rate is virtually entirely attributable to the internal components of (210)Po and (40)K. The dose-rates associated with the presence of anthropogenically derived radionuclides in the present assessment fall many orders of magnitude below the dose-rates at which any biological effects would be expected.
Gwynn
J P
JP
Norwegian Radiation Protection Authority, Environmental Radioactivity, Polar Environmental Centre, NO-9296 Tromsø, Norway. justin.gwynn@nrpa.no
Brown
J E
JE
Kovacs
K M
KM
Lydersen
C
C
D000818:Animals; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000737:chemistry; D006207:Half-Life; D046448:Ice Cover / Q000737:chemistry; D007668:Kidney / Q000737:chemistry; D008099:Liver / Q000737:chemistry; D008954:Models, Biological; D009132:Muscles / Q000737:chemistry; D046049:Phoca / Q000378:metabolism*; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011868:Radioisotopes / Q000032:analysis* / Q000378:metabolism; D012623:Seawater / Q000737:chemistry; D013538:Svalbard; D014875:Water Pollutants, Radioactive / Q000032:analysis* / Q000378:metabolism
D011868:Radioisotopes; D014875:Water Pollutants, Radioactive