Radionuclides in Peconic river fish, mussels, and sediments

Rapiejko, A; Rosson, R; Lahr, J; Garcia, R; Kahn, B

HERO ID

1438901

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

2001

PMID

11725889

HERO ID 1438901
In Press No
Year 2001
Title Radionuclides in Peconic river fish, mussels, and sediments
Authors Rapiejko, A; Rosson, R; Lahr, J; Garcia, R; Kahn, B
Journal Health Physics
Volume 81
Issue 6
Page Numbers 698-703
Abstract For regulatory oversight and quality control of Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) actions, fish, mussels, and sediments were analyzed from the Peconic River system on Long Island, NY, downstream of the Brookhaven National Laboratory, as well as from control locations. The analyses were for photon-emitting radionuclides (notably Co-60 and Cs-137), uranium, plutonium, and americium. Sediments were cored in 4 sections to 0.37 rn depth, whole fish were analyzed, and mussels were separated into flesh and shells. Radioisotopes of the cited elements were detected in sediment, some of the fish contained Cs-137, Am-214, and uranium, and mussel flesh contained Cs-137 and uranium. All of the Co-60, U-233, and enriched uranium, and some of the Cs-137 and Am-241, can most likely be attributed to Brookhaven National Laboratory. The other radionuclides (and some of the Cs-137 and Am-241) are believed to have either fallout or nature as their origin. The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) evaluated the radiological data in terms of adverse health implications due to consumption of fish with the levels of reported radioactivity. The NYSDOH determined that the added radiation doses likely to result from eating this fish are a small fraction of the radiation dose that normally results from radionuclides present in the body from natural sources.
Doi 10.1097/00004032-200112000-00021
Pmid 11725889
Wosid WOS:000172352900020
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Comments Source: Web of Science WOS:000172352900020
Is Public Yes
Keyword aquatic organisms; regulations; quality control; water