Experimental studies on the accumulation of polonium‐210 by marine phytoplankton

• DOI: 10.4319/lo.2003.48.3.1193
• Publication Date: 2010-07-01T17:59:38Z
• Authors: Gillian M. Stewart; Nicholas S. Fisher
• Keywords: TRACER; Polonium

Bioaccumulation of polonium‐210 (t 1/2 = 138 d) in marine phytoplankton can introduce this naturally occurring radioisotope into food chains, where it accounts for most the radiation dose to organisms and human consumers seafood. Moreover, isotope could be useful as a tracer flux organic matter ocean surface waters. We performed laboratory experiments with eight algal species representing six divisions quantify uptake, cellular partitioning, retention 210 Po by algae. Biological uptake was unaffected temperature or light, volume concentration factors (VCFs) these ranged between 0.5 3.0 × 10 4 . Interspecific differences VCFs explained considering area ratios cells protein content. Once associated cells, 30 60% total cytoplasm different species. not irreversibly bound but displayed biological half‐life ~23 d. Because associates appreciably inside unlike other particlereactive nonessential metals, have promise sinking ocean.