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In vivo accumulation of radioactive polonium by the giant kelp Macrocystis pyrifera

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Abstract

The in vivo accumulation rate of 210Po by Macrocystis pyrifera (L) Ag. has been determined by the tagging of specific parts of young, growing lamina in La Jolla kelp beds and their subsequent collection for 210Po analysis. The rates of accumulation for observed and growth-corrected data were, respectively, 0.78x10-9 pCi/cm2 sec (1.73x10-9 dpm/cm2 sec) and 1.17x10-9 pCi/cm2 sec (2.60x10-9 dpm/cm2 sec). Invert, but biologically foulable, glass-slide surfaces exposed to the kelp bed environment yielded 210Po accumulation rates of 0.64x10-9 pCi/cm2 sec (1.42x10-9 dpm/cm2 sec), slightly less than those of M. pyrifera. Distinction is made between observed net accumulation rate and gross rates or total flux. Several factors contributing to the final net accumulation rate are discussed.

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Communicated by J.S. Pearse, Santa Cruz

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Cowen, J.P., Hodge, V.F. & Folsom, T.R. In vivo accumulation of radioactive polonium by the giant kelp Macrocystis pyrifera . Mar. Biol. 37, 239–248 (1976). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00387609

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