Radiocaesium and plutonium concentrations in Mytilus edulis (L.) and potential dose implications for Irish critical groups

Abstract

Concentrations of radiocaesium and plutonium in Mytilus edulis collected in August 1988 from eleven estuaries strategically distributed around the Irish coast are presented. A comparison with the corresponding levels observed in the same species in Galician Rias indicates that, with the exception of the north-east and east coasts, Irish levels are virtually indistinguishable from those attributable to global fallout. Furthermore, in both cases the dosimetric implications for the critical group of Irish shellfish eaters have been conservatively estimated to be less than 1% of the ICRP-recommended principal dose limit for members of the public. Finally, as far as shellfish consumption is concerned, plutonium is now relatively more important than radiocaesium.