Direct absorption of dissolved strontium-90 and yttrium-90 by tadpoles of Rana temporaria.

Abstract

THE presence of long-lived radioisotopes, for example strontium-90 and caesium-137, in fall-out material and their detection in soil, vegetation and animal products have been confirmed1. The harmful effects of this build-up of radioisotopes can, to some extent, be predicted by reference to earlier experiences with radioactive materials such as radium. There is very little experimental evidence on the direct biological effects of strontium-90 and caesium-137. A long-term investigation into the life-cycle of the frog has been started and some exploratory results of the turnover of radiostrontium and radioyttrium by the tadpoles of Rana temporaria are of interest.