A simple fish physiological model for radioecologists exemplified for Mn-54 direct transfer and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss W.)

A: simple kinetic model for the transfer of radionuclide to freshwater-fish was formulated based on physiological (blood and flow rates), anatomical ( volume of tissue compartments) and thermodynamic (tissue-to-blood partition coefficients) parameters. The present study describes Mn-54 direct transfe r to young rainbow trout and exemplifies this new approach for radioecology . The model was calibrated on uptake and depuration kinetics datasets obtai ned for 14 organs/tissues during a 12-week experiment. Organs were classifi ed into three compartments: an-input compartment (gills), a distribution/re servoir compartment (muscles, skeleton and skin) and an excretional functio n compartment (digestive system and liver). For-the three compartments, the partition coefficients and the residence time of the pollutant were, respe ctively: 161 and 4 h, 87 and 1.5 days, and 1465 and 14 days. As an indirect -validation technique, a steady-state concentration factor was calculated f or the whole organism from the partition coefficient values and fractional volumes of the compartment. The value of 81 kg(-1) w.w, is similar to those reported in the literature. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights rese rved.