Radiation doses and effects estimated for aquatic biota exposed to radioactive releases from LWR fuel-cycle facilities

Journal Article · Thu Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1976 · Nucl. Saf.; (United States)

OSTI ID:7272815

Blaylock, B G; Witherspoon, J P

Aquatic organisms are exposed to radionuclides released to the environment during various steps of the nuclear fuel cycle. Routine releases from these processes are restricted in compliance with the International Commission on Radiological Protection, which recommends limits for radiation doses to the general public. It is generally accepted that aquatic organisms will not receive damaging external radiation doses in such environments. Because of the possible bioaccumulation of radionuclides, however, there is concern that aquatic organisms might be adversely affected by internal doses. The objectives of this article are to estimate the radiation dose received by aquatic biota from the different processes and to determine the major dose-contributing radionuclides and to assess the impact of estimated doses on aquatic biota. Dose estimates are made by using measurements of radionuclide concentrations in the liquid effluents of representative facilities. Where such measurements are not available, predicted radioactive releases to the aquatic environment are used. The effects of chronic low-level radiation on aquatic organisms are discussed from somatic and genetic viewpoints. On the basis of the body of radiobiological evidence accumulated to date, no significant deleterious effects are predicted for populations of aquatic organisms exposed to the estimated dose rates resulting from routine releases from conversion, enrichment, fabrication, reactor and reprocessing facilities. At the doses estimated for milling and mining operations, it would be difficult to detect radiation effects on aquatic populations. However, the significance of such radiation exposures to aquatic populations cannot be fully evaluated without further research on effects of chronic low-level radiation.

• Research Organization: Oak Ridge National Lab., TN
• OSTI ID: 7272815
• Journal Information: Nucl. Saf.; (United States), Journal Name: Nucl. Saf.; (United States) Vol. 17:3; ISSN NUSAA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

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Aquatic-- Radioactive Materials Monitoring & Transport-- (1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
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& Toxicology-- Animals
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& Cells
560163 -- Radionuclide Effects-Internal Source-- Plants-- (-1987)
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
AQUATIC ORGANISMS
BIOLOGICAL ACCUMULATION
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
BIOLOGICAL RADIATION EFFECTS
DOSES
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
FUEL CYCLE
ICRP
INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
IRRADIATION
ISOTOPES
LIQUID WASTES
LOW DOSE IRRADIATION
RADIATION DOSES
RADIATION EFFECTS
RADIOISOTOPES
RECOMMENDATIONS
WASTES