Abstract
Croatian Adriatic coastal waters are systematically monitored within the Mediterranean Mussel Watch Project using mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) as a bio-indicator species. The study includes determination of naturally occurring (7Be, 40K, 232Th, 226Ra and 238U), as well as anthropogenic 137Cs radionuclides. Activity concentrations in dry weight of mussels' soft tissue along the Croatian Adriatic coast are presented, with spatial and seasonal variations given and discussed. Samples were collected in spring and autumn for the period between 2009 and 2013. Radionuclides were determined by gamma-ray spectrometry. Activity concentrations of 7Be were the highest in spring periods, especially in the areas with significant fresh water discharges. Activity concentrations of 40K did not vary significantly with season or location. 137Cs activities were low, while 232Th, 226Ra and 238U activities were mostly below the detection limit of performed gamma-spectrometric measurement.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 47-51 |
| Number of pages | 5 |
| Journal | Journal of Environmental Radioactivity |
| Volume | 144 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - 1 Jun 2015 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Bibliographical note
Publisher Copyright:© 2015 Elsevier Ltd.
Funding
This work was financially supported by Ministry of Science, Education and Sports of the Republic of Croatia (project: “Radionuclides and trace elements in environmental systems (project number: 098-0982934-2713 )”) and State Office for Radiological and Nuclear Safety, Croatia (contract: “Research and monitoring of ionizing radiation in the environment – marine indicator organisms”).
| Funders | Funder number |
|---|---|
| State Office for Radiological and Nuclear Safety, Croatia | |
| Ministry of Education and Science, Republic of Latvia | 098-0982934-2713 |
Keywords
- Adriatic Sea
- Gamma-spectrometry
- Mytilus galloprovincialis
- Radionuclides