Radionuclides in south Indian seafoods: A special focus on major contributing species

Department of Zoology and Research Centre, Scott Christian College (Autonomous), Nagercoil – 629 003, Kanniyakumari District, Tamil Nadu, India

Corresponding author Email: godwinwesley@yahoo.com, Tel.: +91 9443607998

Abstract

Concentrations of natural radionuclides ²³⁸U, ²⁰⁸Tl (²³²Th), ²²⁶Ra, ²¹⁰Po, ²¹⁰Pb and ⁴⁰K, and fallout ¹³⁷Cs were determined in pelagic and demersal fishes which are of economic importance. Pelagic fishes concentrated more radionuclides in the muscle tissue when compared to benthic species. Similarly, teleosts registered more activity than elasmobranchs. Based on the activity levels in muscle, the intake, effective dose and lifetime risks to humans were estimated. The internal radiation doses received by fishes and human beings seem to be mainly due to ²¹⁰Po and ⁴⁰K. The fishes were found to be safe for consumption.