Current Levels of Artificial Radioisotopes in Biota from the Arctic Continental Shelf (2013–2018)

Abstract

This paper analyzes data on the concentration and dynamics of 137Cs and 90Sr in marine organisms on the Arctic shelf under modern conditions (2013–2018). It is shown that the radiation pollution of the Arctic sea biota is low and poses no danger to humans. The dynamics of radionuclide pollution of macrophyte and fish suggests that self-purification of the biotic component of the ecosystem occurred in several stages determined by a change in the generations in the hydrobiont populations. Fish are most sensitive to radiation pollution and the most studied component of marine biota. In the study of modern radioactive contamination of the Arctic seas, attention should be focused on local waters, where an increase in isotope concentrations could be possible owing to the episodic leakage of radioactive materials.