Radiocesium (~(137)Cs) concentrations in the two-toed amphiuma (Amphiuma means) and the lesser siren (Siren intermedia)

摘要

This study sought to determine radiocesium (Cs-137) concentrations in two species of aquatic salamanders - the two-toed amphiuma (Amphiuma means) and the lesser siren (Siren intermedia) on the Savannah River Site. Concentrations (Cs-137 Bq/g, dry wt) of the two species were similar at both Cs-137-contaminated (A. means = 0.733 +/- 0.242, n = 5; S. intermedia = 0.839 +/- 0.722, n = 5) and reference sites (A. means = 0.028 +/- 0.020, n = 5; S. intermedia = 0.042 +/- 0.027, n =11). Salamanders captured in areas impacted by Cs-137 contamination exhibited significantly higher Cs-137 concentrations than individuals captured at reference sites (U = 146, p < 0.001). Salamander size (snout-vent length) was not correlated with whole-body Cs-137. An analysis of our data using the ERICA tool suggests that negative impacts due to Cs-137 exposure are unlikely in these species. Overall, these data indicate that A. means and S. intermedia inhabiting contaminated sites bioaccumulate but do not biomagnify Cs-137.