Detection and analysis of the microdistribution of uranium in the gills of freshwater Corbicula fluminea by SIMS technique

The microdistribution of uranium in the gills of freshwater bivalve Corbicula fluminea following chronic direct exposure to this radioelement has been investigated using the SIMS technique. Different exposure levels and exposure durations have been studied. The SIMS mass spectra and 238U+ ion images produced with a SIMS CAMECA 4F-E7 show an U accumulation with the lower aqueous U concentration (20 μg/L) and the influence of the exposure levels on the bioaccumulation capacities. Furthermore, the ionic images display a heterogeneous distribution of uranium within the gill structure whatever the exposure conditions are. This study, in keeping with the ENVIRHOM French research program, was led to the conclusion that ion microscopy is an appropriate analytical method for trace elements and can give elemental cartography in a biological tissue section.