Related Experiment Videos
Radionuclides and trace metals in eastern Mediterranean Sea algae
M S Al-Masri1, S Mamish, Y Budier
1Department of Protection and Safety, Atomic Energy Commission of Syria, P.O. Box 6091 Damascus, Syria. msmasri@aec.org.sy
Journal of Environmental Radioactivity
|March 28, 2003
Summary
Radioactivity in Syrian sea algae is low for cesium-137 but high for natural polonium-210. Certain brown algae species show potential as biomonitors for trace metal pollution.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Environmental Science
- Radiochemistry
Background:
- Seaweed bioaccumulation of radionuclides and trace elements is a significant environmental concern.
- Coastal ecosystems are susceptible to anthropogenic and natural pollutant inputs.
- Understanding elemental and radionuclide profiles in marine algae is crucial for environmental monitoring.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze radioactivity and trace element concentrations in three types of sea algae from the Syrian coast.
- To assess the potential of specific algae species as biomonitors for radioactive and trace metal pollution.
- To identify patterns of radionuclide and trace element accumulation in different algal types.
Main Methods:
- Collection and analysis of three sea algae species from the Syrian coast.
- Measurement of radioactivity, specifically Cesium-137 (137Cs), Polonium-210 (210Po), and Lead-210 (210Pb).
- Quantification of trace elements including Chromium (Cr), Arsenic (As), Copper (Cu), Cobalt (Co), Magnesium (Mg), Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn), Sodium (Na), Potassium (K), Chlorine (Cl), Iodine (I), and Bromine (Br).
Main Results:
- Cesium-137 (137Cs) concentrations were low (<1.2 Bq kg(-1) dry weight) in all samples.
- High levels of naturally occurring radionuclides Polonium-210 (210Po) and Lead-210 (210Pb) were observed in most samples.
- The red alga Jania longifurca exhibited the highest 210Po concentration (27.43 Bq kg(-1) dry weight).
- Brown algae species demonstrated selectivity for accumulating 210Po.
- Brown algae (Cystoseira and Sargassum Vulgare) showed selectivity for trace metals like Cr, As, Cu, and Co.
- Red algae contained higher levels of Magnesium (Mg), while brown algae concentrated Fe, Mn, Na, K, Cl, I, and Br.
Conclusions:
- Syrian coastal sea algae exhibit low levels of anthropogenic radionuclide 137Cs.
- Naturally occurring radionuclides, particularly 210Po, are significantly present, with red algae showing high accumulation.
- Brown algae species are promising candidates for biomonitoring of trace metal pollution due to their selective uptake of elements like Cr, As, Cu, and Co.
- Algal species-specific accumulation of various elements and nonmetals highlights their role in coastal biogeochemical cycling.