Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
1739306 | Journal of Environmental Radioactivity | 2008 | 12 Pages |
Abstract
Aquatic invertebrates (water flea Daphnia magna) were exposed to low dose rates of external gamma radiation (from 0.4 to 31 mGy h−1) over a 23-day period (i.e. 5 broods). Gamma radiation caused changes in neither survival nor somatic growth. Mass-specific respiration rate was significantly lower at 31 mGy h−1 than in the control. Reproduction was affected through early release and reduced size of broods after 15 days of exposure at 31 mGy h−1 (broods 3–5), resulting in a 21% fecundity decrease at 31 mGy h−1 compared to the control. A decreased resistance of neonates to starvation was observed in relation to dose rates. Possible mechanisms of gamma radiotoxicity for daphnid reproduction and implications for radioprotection are discussed.
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Authors
Rodolphe Gilbin, Frédéric Alonzo, Jacqueline Garnier-Laplace,