Measurement of activity concentration of polonium-210 in species of the phylum Mollusca, Tabasco, Mexico

Abstract

The activity concentration of polonium-210 in the soft tissue of several species of mollusks of coastal areas from Tabasco, Mexico, has been determined. Polonium-210 is a natural radionuclide that may be bioaccumulated by flora and fauna, particularly by mollusks. Radioecological evaluation of polonium-210 in mollusks is of particular interest for environmental radioactivity surveillance and to understand the mechanisms of migration of this radionuclide from the environment to humans. In this work, an analysis of the levels of polonium-210 in mollusks from Mexico is presented. Methods include the use of alpha-particle spectrometry to measure polonium-210 in the soft tissue of the studied mollusks. Results show an average value of 158 Bq/kg in mollusks from Tabasco, Mexico. Mollusks from the taxonomic class Bivalvia bioaccumulate more polonium-210 than Gastropods. The activity concentration values of polonium-210 in mollusks from Mexico are of the same order as those reported internationally. A further work on the mechanisms of migration and bioaccumulation of polonium in these organisms is necessary.