The effect of chronic exposure to 238Pu (IV) citrate on the embryonic development of carp and fathead minnow eggs
Till, J.E.
Health Physics 34(4): 333-343
1978
ISSN/ISBN: 0017-9078 PMID: 566735 Document Number: 137343
The effects of Pu on the developing fish egg were studied. A quantitative analysis of uptake of 238Pu(IV) citrate by carp eggs indicated that Pu was accumulated in the egg and reached a concentration factor of appr. 4 at hatching (72 h after exposure begins). Autoradiographs made from carp eggs that had been exposed to 238Pu revealed that, although some Pu was concentrated on the egg chorion, Pu that penetrated the chorion was uniformly distributed throughout the perivitelline fluid, embryo and yolk sac. Using uptake data for carp eggs, dose conversion factors were calculated for carp eggs and fathead minnow eggs exposed to 238Pu during embryological development. These values were 2100 rad/.mu.Ci per ml and 7500 rad/.mu.Ci per ml for carp and fathead minnows, respectively. Experiments were conducted in which carp and fathead minnow eggs were exposed to Pu in solution during embryogenesis; percentage of eggs hatching, number of abnormal larvae produced and survival of larvae were used as indicators of radiation toxicity. Concentrations in excess of 1 .mu.Ci/ml were required to prevent both species of eggs from hatching. Fish eggs developing in natural aquatic ecosystems contaminated with Pu probably do not receive a significant dose from the Pu .alpha. radioactivity.