Abstract
Some experiments have been made on the metabolism of 237Pu — a high specific activity, gamma-emitting isotope of plutonium — by the thornback ray Raja clavata L. Unlike previous experiments with the plaice (Pleuronectes platessa L.) it was found that the thornback ray absorbed plutonium across the gut wall, as readily observed by analysis of the liver. The liver accumulated up to 0.2% of the 237Pu given in a single labelled meal after a period of 12 days. Direct injection of the isotope into the muscle of thornback rays resulted in extremely slow rates of elimination from the fish, the highest internal concentrations being attained by the spleen. The largest fractions of the whole-body burden, however, were those of liver and skeleton.
Similar content being viewed by others
Literature Cited
International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP): Report on permissible doses for internal radiation. Hlth Phys. 3, 1–380 (1960)
—: The metabolism of compounds of plutonium and other actinides, 59 pp. Oxford: Pergamon Press 1972. (ICRP Publs No. 19)
Pentreath, R.J.: The accumulation from sea water of 65Zn, 54Mn, 58Co and 59Fe by the thornback ray, Raja clavata L. J. exp. mar. Biol. Ecol. 12, 327–334 (1973)
—: Radionuclides in marine fish. Oceanogr. mar. biol. A. Rev. 15, 365–460 (1977a)
— The accumulation of 110mAg by the plaice, Pleuronectes platessa L. and the thornback ray, Raja clavata L. J. exp. mar. Biol. Ecol. 29, 315–325 (1977b)
—: 237Pu experiments with the plaice Pleuronectes platessa. Mar. Biol. 48, 327–335 (1978)
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Communicated by J. Mauchline, Oban
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Pentreath, R.J. 237Pu experiments with the thornback ray Raja clavata . Mar. Biol. 48, 337–342 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00391637
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00391637