Work

Numerical modelling of radionuclide uptake by bluefin tuna along its migration routes in the Mediterranean Sea after a nuclear accident

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: A numerical model which simulates the adsorption of radionuclides by migrating bluefin tuna in the Mediterranean Sea is described, in order to determine the level of contamination of these fish after a hypothetical nuclear accident and thus be able to assess the possible impact on human consumption. A 4–species foodweb model is incorporated into a Lagrangian model describing physical transport (advection, mixing, radioactive decay and interactions of radionuclides with sediments). Tuna is the last trophic level in the foodweb model and the equation providing the temporal evolution of radionuclide concentration in its flesh is solved along the fish trajectories, which were obtained through electronic tagging of fishes. The model was applied to the western Mediterranean, where several worst–case hypothetical accidents were simulated, both from a coastal nuclear power plant and from a vessel. Resulting 137 Cs concentrations in migrating tuna were similar, or slightly higher, than reported background concentrations in these fishes and well below established safety levels. Maximum calculated concentrations in tuna flesh is in the order of 1 Bq/kg (wet weight). This is due to the rapid movement of the fishes, which spend only limited time over the most contaminated spots. • Marine Lagrangian radionuclide transport model developed for the western Mediterranean Sea • A foodweb model included within it, bluefin tuna is the highest trophic level • Tuna model equations solved along tuna tracks, obtained through electronic tagging of fishes • Accidents simulated in a coastal nuclear power plant and nuclear submarine • Wild tuna would not be significantly affected by a nuclear accident in the western Mediterranean • The tool can be applied to other marine regions and species of interest

Source: Marine Environmental Research

DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2024.106757

Authors: Carmen Cortés, Raúl Periáñez, Barbara A. Block, Michael R. Castleton, Pablo Cermeño, Simon Dedman

Institutions: Universidad de Sevilla, Hopkins Marine Station, Stanford University

Language: English

Topic: Radioactive contamination and transfer

Subfield: Global and Planetary Change

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Life below water, Clean water and sanitation

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,340