SREL Reprint #3575

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

David L. Haskins1,2 and Albert L. Bryan1

1Savannah River Ecology Lab, University of Georgia, Drawer E, Aiken, SC, 29802, USA
2Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA

Abstract: This study sought to determine radiocesium (137Cs) 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 (137Cs Bq/g, dry wt) of the two species were similar at both 137Cs-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 137Cs contamination exhibited significantly higher 137Cs concentrations than individuals captured at reference sites (U = 146, p < 0.001). Salamander size (snout-vent length) was not correlated with whole-body 137Cs. An analysis of our data using the ERICA tool suggests that negative impacts due to 137Cs exposure are unlikely in these species. Overall, these data indicate that A. means and S. intermedia inhabiting contaminated sites bioaccumulate but do not biomagnify 137Cs.

SREL Reprint #3575

Haskins, D. L., and A. L. Bryan Jr. 2020. Radiocesium (137Cs) concentrations in the two-toed amphiuma (Amphiuma means) and the lesser siren (Siren intermedia). Journal of Environmental Radioactivity 213(2020): Article 106107.

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