Abstract

To assess the potential environmental consequences of nuclear wastewater containing radionuclides, the toxic effects of cesium (Cs) on the blue mussel Mytilus edulis were investigated experimentally. To mimic the effects of radiocesium, a simulated experimental system of stable cesium (133Cs) was set up, and its heavy metal property was emphasised. The mussels were exposed to a 133Cs concentration gradient for 21 days before being eliminated for another 21 days. Exposure to 133Cs caused effective bioaccumulation with distinct features of concentration dependence and tissue specificity, with hemolymph, gills, and digestive glands identified as the most target tissues for accumulation. Although the elimination period was beneficial in reducing the accumulated 133Cs, the remaining tissue concentrations remained significant.

Keywords: Biodiversity; Project; Ecology