Bioaccumulation of Zn and 137Cs in Glauconomya virens (Linnaeus, 176) Upon Exposure to Sigle and Mixture of Zn or 137Cs and Salinity

This study aims to determine the effect of concentrations and salinity of seawater on the bioaccumulation of zinc and cesium in the Glauconomya virens. Salinity conditions and contaminant concentrations in the marine environment can change due to weather and other inputs. A biokinetic experiment was carried out using a single compartment approach that used radiotracer 65Zn and 137Cs. The experiments conducted were biota collection, acclimatization, bioaccumulation, and elimination. Acclimatization aims for the adaptation of biota in an experimental environment. Bioaccumulation was by placing the biota in an aquarium containing seawater media spiked by 65Zn, Zn, and 137Cs radiotracer contaminants. The elimination process was the release of contaminants from the body of the biota by placing them in clean and flowing seawater. The experimental results show that the uptake and elimination of Zn and Cs were influenced by these two parameters (water concentration and salinity). The highest value of Concentration Factor (CF) for Zn was 11.14 ml.g-1 under influences its concentration of 0.7 ppm in water. In the depuration process, Zn maintained by G virens were 39.44; 31.17; 23.62; and 23.92% after these organisms accumulate this element from seawater containing 0.1; 0.3, 0.5, and 0.7 ppm, respectively. The highest of 137Cs under influences its concentration of 3 Bg.ml-1 reached 2.65 mL.g-1. The effect of salinity is directly proportional to the factor value of Zn and 137Cs concentration.

Chernobyl still affects the environment of Greece: Recent measurements of 137Cs in soil cores from Grevena–Trikala area

Cores to a depth of 20 cm from surface were collected from Central Greece to study the 137Cs concentration and mobility in soils from the most afflicted areas by the Chernobyl Accident. As we are approaching a time almost equal to one halflife of radiocesium from the Chernobyl accident, new data can be proven extremely useful for assessing the present status.

Long-Term Monitoring of Radiocesium Concentration in Sediments and River Water along Five Rivers in Minami-Soma City during 2012–2016 Following the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant Accident

Radiocesium monitoring in sediments and river water has been conducted along five rivers in Minami-Soma City during 2012–2016 to clarify the temporal changes of radiocesium contamination in these rivers. Sampling has been performed annually under normal flow conditions. Sediment and river water samples were collected from four or five sampling sites along each river. Gamma-ray measurements of sediments were performed using a low-background Ge detector and unfiltered river water was utilized to determine radiocesium concentration using a well-type Ge detector. The 137Cs concentration in sediments was highest at upstream sites and slowly decreased to downstream sites for all rivers reflecting the high radioactive contamination in the upstream area. Temporal decrease of the 137Cs concentration was observed in sediments and river water for each river. The effective half-lives were 1.3–2.1 y for sediments, and 0.9–2.1 y for river water from rivers with upstream dams. On the undammed river, the effective half-lives were 4.7 y and 3.7 y for sediment and river water, respectively. Much longer effective-half-lives might reflect the direct transfer of radiocesium from forests and plains to the river. The 137Cs concentration in riverbed was low in downstream areas, however, accumulation of 137Cs over the floodplain was observed. Rapid decrease of 137Cs contamination through rivers will put residents at ease, but high accumulation of radiocesium over floodplains should be noted for future river decontamination.