title: Distribution of137Cs in benthic plants along depth profiles in the outer Puck Bay (Baltic Sea).
abstract: A study was conducted on three macroalgae species:Polysiphonia fucoidesandFurcellaria lumbricalis, the species of the red algae division, andCladophora glomerata, representing the green algae division, as well asZostera marina, representing vascular plants. The main aim of the study was to recognize the level of137Cs concentrations in the plants, which could be used as a measurement of bioaccumulation efficiency in the selected macrophytes at varying depths, and in the seasonal resolution of the vegetation period: spring-summer and autumnal. The plants' biomass clearly showed seasonal variability, as did the137Cs concentrations in the plants. Cesium activity also changed with depth. Seasonal variability in radionuclide content in the plants, as well as the differences in its activity determined along the depth profile, were related mainly to the plant biomass and the dilution effect caused by the biomass increment and reflected the growth dynamics.P. fucoidesshowed much greater bioaccumulation ability at each depth as compared toC. glomerata, a green algae. Lower concentrations of137Cs were also identified inF. lumbricalisand inZ. marina,mostly as a result of differences in morphology and physiology.P. fucoidescan be recommended as a bioindicator for the monitoring of137Cs contamination due to the high efficiency of bioaccumulation and the available biomass along the depth profile, as well as the occurrence throughout the entire vegetation season.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Meteorology and Water Management-National Research Institute, Maritime Branch, Waszyngtona 42, 81-342 Gdynia, Poland.
authors.forename: Tamara
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Zalewska
keywords: Baltic Sea; Biomass influence; Marine phytobenthos; Radioactive cesium