A review of natural and anthropogenic radionuclide pollution in marine bivalves

Dispersion of oxides, heavy metals, and natural radionuclides in phosphogypsum stockpiles of the phosphate industries in Türkiye

Heavy metal (HM) and naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM) pollution is continuously increasing due to anthropogenic activities, and it is one of the global problems that pose a threat to human and environmental health. Phosphogypsum (PG), a by-product of phosphate fertilizer (PF) production, is an industrial solid waste produced in large quantities worldwide, and much of it is stockpiled. PG contains enhanced levels of toxic substances such as HMs and NORMs. The first detailed study on the determination of major-minor oxides, HMs, and NORMs contents of PGs collected from waste stockpiles at phosphate fertilizer factories (PFFs) in Türkiye was carried out using energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry to obtain data for the reuse of these wastes and a better characterization of the waste deposit. The major-minor oxides analyzed in the PG samples were ranked as SO3 (53.22%) > CaO (36.84%) > SiO2 (2.08%) > P2O5 (1.21%) > Al2O3 (0.13%) > Fe2O3 (0.11%) according to their average contents. The average contents (mg/kg) of HMs and NORMs analyzed in the PG samples were listed as follows: Fe (744.2) > Ti (102.1) > Zn (59.2) > Mn (28.9) > Ni (18.4) > Cr (15.2) > Co (14.6) > Cu (13.5) > Zr (10.8) > Pb (8.8) > Cd (8.5) > V (7.4) > U (4.9) > Th (4.2). The results revealed that HMs, except Cd and U, were lower than the Earth's crust averages and maximum soil contaminant levels recommended in the Turkish Regulation on Control of Soil Pollution.

Patterns distribution, concentrations and sources of radioactive elements from black sand in the Red Sea coast, Egypt

In Egypt, the distribution of black sand in various coastal regions has been readily apparent by thorough research. Unfortunately, these investigations did not measure radioactivity in black sand, particularly in the vicinity of the Red Sea. Gamma-ray spectroscopy was used to detect the naturally occurring radioactivity from 238U, 232Th, 40K, and 226Ra in black sand samples from eight locations along the Red Sea coast: Ras Elbehar, Gemsa, Hurghada Elahiaa, Hurghada Titanic, Safaga, Qusier Elsharm Alqbly, Gabal Alrosass, and Marsa Alam. The resultant data were interpolated to represent the spatial distribution. Additionally, the potential rocks sources of radionuclides were geologically mapped to elucidate the relationship between rock components and radioactivity. The results showed that 226Ra, 232Th and238U were higher at samples collected from Ras Elbehar, Hurghada Elahiaa and Hurghada Titanic compared to the other sites. On the other hand, 40K showed the lowest mean value (75.3 ± 3.8 Bq/kg) in Hurghada Titanic samples, while it peaked (563 ± 28 Bq/kg) in Qusier Elsharm Alqbly samples. The interpolated results show notable differences in radioactive amounts between the north and south, which are indicative of several environmental conditions and human activities. Alkaline syenite, syenogranite, older granites (tonalite and granodiorite), and minor acidic volcanic/metavolcanic rocks make up the upstream area of the basin area draining into, for example, the Ras Elbehar locality (highest activity concentrations for 238U (1596 ± 80 Bq/kg) and 226Ra (886 ± 44 Bq/kg)), while alkali-feldspar granite, schist, and shale rocks make up the mid-stream area. The findings provide a basis for scientific forecasting on the impact of synthetic or naturally occurring radioactive isotopes introduced into aquatic environments.

The impact of climate change on Omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in bivalves

Omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LC-PUFA) have many health benefits to human. Increasing evidence have shown that climate change reduces the availability of plankton n-3 LC-PUFA to primary consumers which potentially reduces the availability of n-3 LC-PUFA to human. Since marine bivalves are an important source of n-3 LC-PUFA for human beings, and bivalve aquaculture completely depends on phytoplankton in ambient water as food, it is important to understand the impact of climate change on the lipid nutritional quality of bivalves. In this study, fatty acid profile of different bivalves (mussels, oysters, clams, scallops and cockles) from different regions (tropical, subtropical and temperate) and time (before 1990, 1991-1995, 1996-2000, 2001-2005, 2006-2010, 2011-2015, 2016-2020) were extracted from published literature to calculate various lipid nutritional quality indicators. The results of this study revealed that the effects of global warming and declines in aragonite saturation state on the lipid content and lipid indices of bivalves are highly dependent on the geographical region and bivalves. In general, global warming has the largest negative impact on the lipid content and indices of temperate bivalves, including decreasing the PUFA/SFA, EPA + DHA and n-3/n-6. However, global warming has a much smaller negative impact on lipid content and lipid indices in other regions. The declines of aragonite saturation state in seawater promotes the accumulation of lipid content in tropical and subtropical bivalves, but it compromised the PUFA/SFA, EPA + DHA and n-3/n-6 of bivalves in all regions. The findings of this study not only fill the knowledge gap of the impact of climate change on the lipid nutritional quality of bivalves, but also provide guidance for the establishment of bivalve aquaculture and fisheries management plans to mitigate the impact of climate change.

(Re)integrating radioactive materials and waste into a global sustainable development context

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations, established in 2015, aim to achieve global sustainability by 2030 through the improvement of environmental, social, and economic parameters. However, unlike earlier concepts such as the Agenda 21 of 1992, the SDGs overlook radioactive waste management and related challenges of radiation itself. First, we investigate the historic consideration and unexplained disappearance of radioactive waste in earlier sustainability concepts. Then, we propose amending seven SDGs to address this gap. For SDGs 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), 14 (Life Below Water), and 15 (Life on Land), new or revised indicators should monitor the release of hazardous materials. SDGs 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) require additional targets and indicators to integrate international cooperation and social implications of nuclear facilities' operation. Redefining "hazardous waste" in SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and "environmentally sound technologies" in SDG 17 is necessary to encompass radioactive waste. Implementing these changes demands statistical efforts, but the existing monitoring infrastructure, particularly in Europe and North America, can facilitate this. As 2030 approaches, it is crucial to reintroduce radioactive waste management into sustainability agendas, whether within the SDGs themselves or in a subsequent framework.

Recent trends in the phytoremediation of radionuclide contamination of soil by cesium and strontium: Sources, mechanisms and methods: A comprehensive review

This comprehensive review examines recent trends in phytoremediation strategies to address soil radionuclide contamination by cesium (Cs) and strontium (Sr). Radionuclide contamination, resulting from natural processes and nuclear-related activities such as accidents and the operation of nuclear facilities, poses significant risks to the environment and human health. Cs and Sr, prominent radionuclides involved in nuclear accidents, exhibit chemical properties that contribute to their toxicity, including easy uptake, high solubility, and long half-lives. Phytoremediation is emerging as a promising and environmentally friendly approach to mitigate radionuclide contamination by exploiting the ability of plants to extract toxic elements from soil and water. This review focuses specifically on the removal of 90Sr and 137Cs, addressing their health risks and environmental implications. Understanding the mechanisms governing plant uptake of radionuclides is critical and is influenced by factors such as plant species, soil texture, and physicochemical properties. Phytoremediation not only addresses immediate contamination challenges but also provides long-term benefits for ecosystem restoration and sustainable development. By improving soil health, biodiversity, and ecosystem resilience, phytoremediation is in line with global sustainability goals and environmental protection initiatives. This review aims to provide insights into effective strategies for mitigating environmental hazards associated with radionuclide contamination and to highlight the importance of phytoremediation in environmental remediation efforts.

A review of 210Pb and 210Po in moss

Among environment contaminants, 210Pb and 210Po have gained significant research attention due to their radioactive toxicity. Moss, with its exceptional adsorption capability for these radionuclides, serves as an indicator for environmental 210Pb and 210Po pollution. The paper reviews a total of 138 articles, summarizing the common methods and analytical results of 210Pb and 210Po research in moss. It elucidates the accumulation characteristics of 210Pb and 210Po in moss, discusses current research challenges, potential solutions, and future prospects in this field. Existing literature indicates limitations in common measurement techniques for 210Pb and 210Po in moss, characterized by high detection limits or lengthy sample processing. The concentration of 210Pb and 210Po within moss display substantial variations across different regions worldwide, ranging from Collapse

Key Words

• (210)Pb
• (210)Po
• Environmental contamination
• Measurement method
• Moss bioindication

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MESH Headings

• Lead Radioisotopes/analysis
• Polonium/analysis
• Bryophyta/chemistry
• Radiation Monitoring/methods

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Affiliation(s)

Chenlu Ding College of Nuclear Technology and Automation Engineering, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 610059, Sichuan, PR China
Qiang Yang College of Nuclear Technology and Automation Engineering, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 610059, Sichuan, PR China; Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731, PR China.
Xue Zhao Chongqing Radiation Environment Supervision and Management Station, Chongqing, 400015, PR China
Lipeng Xu Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731, PR China
Hui Tang College of Nuclear Technology and Automation Engineering, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 610059, Sichuan, PR China; Sichuan Management and Monitoring Center Station of Radioactive Environment, Chengdu, 611139, PR China
Zhengshang Liu College of Nuclear Technology and Automation Engineering, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 610059, Sichuan, PR China
Juan Zhai College of Nuclear Technology and Automation Engineering, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 610059, Sichuan, PR China
Qingxian Zhang College of Nuclear Technology and Automation Engineering, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 610059, Sichuan, PR China

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Characterization of natural radioactivity and relative dose due to consumption of edible bivalves inhabiting the Cochin Backwater Lagoon, Kerala, southwestern coast of India

The study on natural radionuclides in edible bivalves from the Cochin backwater lagoon, Kerala, employing alpha spectrometry, revealed higher concentrations of 210Po and 210Pb compared to 238U and 232Th. The annual committed effective dose (ACED) for the adult coastal population was calculated at a range of 1494.9 to 5783.4 μSv y-1, with 210Po being the predominant contributor, responsible for about 85 % of the dose. This highlighted significant health risks, underscored by a calculated cumulative mortality and morbidity risk range between 5.23 × 10-3 and 2.02 × 10-2. These findings emphasized the need for further research and the development of regulatory measures to mitigate exposure risks.

Investigating radiation profiles and conducting risk assessment for ecological and environmental components on Vaan and Koswari islands in the Tuticorin group of islands, India

Natural radioactive concentration assessment was conducted on sediment, water, and biota obtained on Vaan and Koswari islands in the Tuticorin group of islands, Tamil Nadu, India. For biotic and abiotic components, radiation profiles such as gross alpha, beta, primordial radionuclide, polonium, and lead analyses were performed. The gross α and β range from BDL to 15.18 ± 1.7 Bq/kg and 40.43 ± 4.9 Bq/kg to 105.12 ± 11.7 Bq/kg, respectively. Primordial radionuclides were analyzed using Nal(TI)-based scintillator with PC-MCA, and the concentrations ranged from 13.43 ± 3.3 Bq/kg to 30.97 ± 9.6 Bq/kg with a mean of 21.31 ± 2.7 Bq/kg for 238U; for 232Th, the values ranged from 11.09 ± 2.6 Bq/kg to 33.55 ± 9.5 Bq/kg with an average value of 23.89 ± 3.7 Bq/kg; and for 40 K, the values are 93.33 ± 27.3 Bq/kg to 219.91 ± 39.6 Bq/kg with an average value of 148.27 ± 21.7 Bq/kg. The present study values are lesser than the world average values. 210Po and 210Pb concentrations with an average value were determined to be 33.13 Bq/L and 16.56 Bq/L, 47.55 Bq/L and 22.37 Bq/L in the water sample, and 50.437 Bq kg1 and 62.012 Bq kg1, 46.99 Bq/kg and 58.625 Bq/kg in sediments of Vaan island and Koswari island. The concentrations of 210Po and 210Pb of Pogonias cromis were 19.27 ± 1.5 Bq/kg and 8.27 ± 1.01 Bq/kg, Belonidae 28.54 ± 2.4 Bq/kg and 18.32 ± 2.3 Bq/kg, Lepisosteidae 18.68 ± 1.4 Bq/kg and 11.17 ± 1.8 Bq/kg. The committed effective dosage was determined to be 35.74-54.61 µSv/y for 210Po and 25.39-56.25 µSv/y for 210Pb, in which the 210Pb value is lower; however, the 210Po value is higher than the global average value. The annual committed effective dosage as well as the radiological hazard indices were assessed and found to be much below the global average and the recommended limit, respectively. This research provides an extensive analysis of natural background radiation and establishes a baseline report on the radiological profile of biotic and abiotic factors in the Tuticorin group of islands, namely Vaan and Koswari, in Tamil Nadu, India.