Comprehensive Analysis of Radioactive and Chemical Contamination of Water Bodies in the Area of Radium-Industry Waste Storage

• Published in: Russian journal of ecology Vol. 34; no. 3; p. 159
• Main Authors: Evseeva, T I, Geras'kin, S A, Shuktomova, I I, Khramova, E S
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York Springer Nature B.V 01-05-2003
• Subjects: Biological effects; Chemical analysis; Chemical contamination; Chemical pollution; Cytotoxicity; Genotoxicity; Heavy metals; Metal concentrations; Mine wastes; Radioactive pollution; Radium; Rivers; Waste storage; Water analysis; Water pollution; Water sampling; Zinc
• DOI: 10.1023/A:1023627317922
• EISSN: 1608-3334
• ISSN: 1067-4136

Genotoxicity and cytotoxicity of water samples from the creeks flowing through the area of radium mining waste storage into the Ukhta River and from this river were assessed using biological tests with Allium schoenoprasum L. Chemical analysis of the samples indicated that concentrations of parent heavy natural radionuclides, ^sup 210^Pb, and ^sup 210^Po do not exceed the allowable level. Of ten heavy metals, only Zn and Mn concentrations exceeded MACs. The results of biological tests provided evidence for the significantly increased genotoxicity of water samples. The mitotic index increased with an increase in the concentration of Zn ions and manifested an inverse dependence on the activity of ^sup 238^U. The genotoxic effect linearly depended on Zn concentration. Possible mechanisms responsible for the induction of these biological effects are discussed.[PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]