RADIONUCLIDES (CS-137 AND K-40) IN HARBOR PORPOISES PHOCOENA-PHOCOENAFROM BRITISH AND IRISH COASTAL WATERS

Mean concentrations of Cs-137 and K-40 in harbour porpoise are present ed. Concentrations of Cs-137 in porpoises originating from the Irish S ea were elevated relative to those from the Celtic Sea, Atlantic seabo ard and the North Sea. Concentrations of K-40 were comparable between samples from all locations and similar to those reported elsewhere. Co ncentration factors (CF) determined for Irish Sea porpoise did not dif fer significantly from those measured for other regions. The dose aris ing from Cs-137 and K-40 was dominated by the internal component. As m ost of the total dose was attributable to the naturally occurring K-40 , it is unlikely that the increased dose due to the anthropogenic inpu t of radionuclides has a detrimental effect on the health of Irish Sea porpoise. Elevated concentrations of Cs-137 in porpoises from the Iri sh Sea suggest they may be resident in the area. (C) 1998 Elsevier Sci ence Ltd. All rights reserved.