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Seasonal variation in radiocesium levels of largemouth bass ( Micropterus salmoides ): Implications for humans and sensitive wildlife species
Author(s) -
Peles John D.,
Philippi Tom,
Smith Michael H.,
Brisbin I. Lehr,
Gibbons J. Whitfield
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
environmental toxicology and chemistry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.1
H-Index - 171
eISSN - 1552-8618
pISSN - 0730-7268
DOI - 10.1002/etc.5620190717
Subject(s) - micropterus , bass (fish) , seasonality , zoology , biology , environmental science , wildlife , fishery , ecology
To examine seasonal variation in levels of radiocesium ( 137 Cs) within largemouth bass ( Micropterus salmoides; N = 589), fish were collected monthly over a one‐year period from an abandoned reactor cooling reservoir. Month of collection, sex, age, and body mass (log transformed) were all significant factors influencing 137 Cs concentrations. Levels of 137 Cs reached a peak in late winter/early spring (February/March), and minimum values occurred in the fall (October). An asymmetric sawtooth model with a four‐month period of increase and an eight‐month period of decrease fit the data for monthly 137 Cs values significantly better than symmetric sinusoidal and sawtooth models. The mean concentration of 137 Cs for bass collected during all months was 7.09 Bq/g wet mass. All individuals examined, regardless of month, sex, age, or body mass, had 137 Cs levels (2.95–12.60 Bq/g) that were much higher than the maximum level (0.60 Bq/g wet mass) generally considered safe for human consumption. Radiocesium is relatively long‐lived within this reservoir and will continue to remain an important issue in risk assessments for both humans and wildlife species.