Bioaccumulation of 137Cs by benthic plants and macroinvertebrates

137Cs activity concentrations were determined in macrophytes and macrozoobenthic organisms from the southern Baltic Sea. Cesium isotope content was analysed in macroalgae species (green, red and brown algae representatives) and in some species of vascular plants. The analyzed macroinvertebrate organisms included bivalves and a crustacean.

Concentration factors (CF) were calculated using the determined 137Cs concentration in the flora and fauna organisms against that in seawater, and the bioaccumulative properties were compared. The study pointed out that the most important factors in the cesium bioaccumulation process occurring in plants are related to morphology. The highest CF values were obtained in algae Polysiphonia fucoides, Ectocarpus siliculosus and Cladophora glomerata. Decidedly lower CF values were observed in the vascular plants and macrozoobenthos representatives.