DNA-DAMAGE AND RADIOCESIUM IN CHANNEL CATFISH FROM CHERNOBYL

The explosion of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant resulted in some of the most radioactively contaminated habitats on earth. Despite evacua tion of all human inhabitants from the most contaminated areas, animal s and plants continue to thrive in these areas. This study examines th e levels of contamination and genetic damage associated with radiocesi um in catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) from the cooling pond and a contro l site. In general, catfish from the cooling pond exhibit greater gene tic damage, and the amount of damage is related to the concentration o f radiocesium in individual fish. Genetic damage is primarily in the f orm of DNA strand breaks, with few micronuclei being observed in conta minated fish. The possible roles that acclimation and adaption play in the response to high levels of radiation exposure are discussed.