R02011: Seasonal variations in radionuclide concentrations in crabs and lobsters
Wednesday 16 June 2004
This research project aims to examine the extent of seasonal variations in radionuclide concentrations in crabs and lobsters and recommend the best sampling period.
Study Duration: June 1999 to February 2002
Contractor: Environmental Research and Consultancy, University of Liverpool
Background
This research project aims to examine the extent of seasonal variations in radionuclide concentrations in crabs and lobsters.and made recommendations for the most representative sampling period consistent with sampling size and frequency.
The information will be used to assess whether there is any food safety advantage in requesting the Environment Agency to place seasonal restrictions on the discharge of technetium-99 (Tc-99) bearing effluents from Sellafield.
Research Approach
The project identified a suitable field site (off the Isle of Man) where radionuclide concentrations were still measurable but the site was distant enough from Sellafield so that the radionuclide concentrations in seawater were not influenced by the pulsed discharge of Tc-99 from Sellafield. Crab and lobster samples were collected for 10 out of 12 months between February 2000 and February 2001. Male and female individuals of each species were collected from commercial catches and the meat fractions analysed for Tc-99.
Results and findings
The Sellafield reprocessing plant discharges technetium-99 into the Irish Sea. Previous work has shown that lobsters are very efficient at concentrating technetium in flesh while other crustaceans are less efficient. This project investigated whether there were any seasonal factors which influenced the degree of concentration.
Statistical analysis of the data showed no significant seasonal or short term variation in technetium concentrations. Consequently, the use of annual average concentration data is justified when reporting biota data.
For the 2002 Radioactivity in Food and the Environment (RIFE) report, which includes the results of the monitoring of radionuclides in crabs and lobsters, please click here.
Dissemination information
Final report is available from the FSA Library and Information centre.
To obtain a copy, please contact the Enquiry Desk, Dr. Elsie Widdowson Library and Information Services, Food Standards Agency (020 7276 8181/8182 or at library&info@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk).
This research has been published in: Journal of Environmental Radioactivity, Volume 73 Number 1 (2004): 29-48.
Contact: For any enquiries concerning this research project, please contact the relevant Programme contact or email science@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk