SREL Reprint #3362

Spatial and temporal patterns of radiocesium contamination in mosquitofish, Gambusia holbrooki (Girard, 1859), inhabiting a nuclear reactor cooling reservoir

Kevin A. Holloman1, Cham E. Dallas1, I. Lehr Brisbin, Jr2, and Charles H. Jagoe2

1Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy,
University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
2Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, P.O. Drawer E, Aiken,
SC 29801, USA

Abstract: Whole body concentrations of radiocesium (137Cs) were determined for 772 mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki) collected from three locations on the Pond B reservoir of the US Department of Energy's Savannah River Site in July and November 1991, and February and April 1992. Seasonal, site-, and sex-related differences in 137Cs concentrations were tested for significance, and results compared with those reported for mosquitofish collected from the same locations in April 1987. Results from 1991 to 1992 showed that 137Cs concentrations were higher in mosquitofish collected in February for both sexes at all sites. After accounting for differences in body size, males generally had higher concentrations than females across seasons and sites. Site-related differences were not the same as those found in April 1987. Results from the present study suggest that 137Cs concentrations in mosquitofish undergo a seasonal cycling pattern, and that caution should be used when interpreting data collected from a single season, year or sex.

SREL Reprint #3362

Holloman, K. A., C. E. Dallas, I. L. Brisbin Jr., and C. H. Jagoe. 1997. Spatial and temporal patterns of radiocesium contamination in mosquitofish, Gambusia holbrooki (Girard, 1859), inhabiting a nuclear reactor cooling reservoir. Journal of Environmental Radioactivity 35(3): 243-259.

This information was provided by the University of Georgia's Savannah River Ecology Laboratory (srel.uga.edu).