Spatial and temporal variations in concentration factors in NW European Seas - secondary use of monitoring data

Abstract

This paper presents new data on concentration factors (CFs: concentration kg -1 biota/concentration l -1 seawater) for several marine species-radionuclide pairs, in three regions: coastal waters of Ireland, eastern Irish Sea and coastal waters of Norway. The CFs were estimated using data from long-term monitoring programmes, obtained for radiological protection purposes. The practical constraints of using such data sources are discussed. CFs were obtained for a range of fin fish, crustaceans, molluscs and brown seaweed, for one or more of the following radionuclides: 99 Tc, 137 Cs, 239,240 Pu and 241 Am. In general, there was a relatively high degree of variability in the values obtained, and it was not possible to discern systematic regional or time-dependent differences. However, for two datasets in the eastern Irish Sea ( 137 Cs in winkles and crabs) and a number of datasets (137Cs in various species of fish) in the western Irish Sea there was a statistically significant increase in the CF over the monitoring periods. Significant gender differences were found for 99 Tc in lobster. The results are compared with current IAEA recommendations and are discussed in relation to the influence of contemporaneous discharges and the possible impact of remobilised radionuclides on bioavailability.