[Evaluation of the partial contribution of naturally occurring radionuclides and nonradioactive chemically toxic elements in formation of biological effects within the Vicia cracca population inhabiting the area contaminated with uranium-radium production wastes in the Komi Republic]

Radiats Biol Radioecol. 2014 Jan-Feb;54(1):85-96.
[Article in Russian]

Abstract

The site contaminated with uranium-radium production wastes in the Komi Republic was studied. The activity concentration of naturally occurring radionuclides (226Ra, 228Th, 238U, 230Th, 232Th, 210Po, and 210Pb), as well as concentrations of nonradioactive chemically toxic elements (Pb, Zn, Cu, As, V, Mo, Sr, Y, and Ba) in the soil samples from the experimental site is 10-183 times higher than reference levels. A chronic exposure to alpha-emitters and nonradioactive chemically toxic elements causes adverse effects in tufted vetch (Vacia cracca L.) both at the cellular (aberration of chromosomes) and population (decrease in the reproductive ability) levels. Radionuclides are the main contributors to the decrease in the reproductive capacity and an increase in the level of the cytogenetic damage in root tip cells of tufted vetch seedlings. As and Pb significantly influence the reproductive capacity of plants. Sr, Zn, Y and P modify the biological effects caused by exposure to radionuclides. Moreover, P and Zn reduce the adverse effects of radionuclides; however, Sr and Y enhance these effects.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Chromosome Aberrations / radiation effects*
  • Humans
  • Metals / chemistry
  • Metals / isolation & purification
  • Radioisotopes / chemistry
  • Radioisotopes / isolation & purification*
  • Radium / chemistry
  • Radium / isolation & purification
  • Soil Pollutants, Radioactive / isolation & purification*
  • Thorium / chemistry
  • Thorium / isolation & purification
  • Uranium / chemistry
  • Uranium / isolation & purification
  • Vicia / radiation effects*

Substances

  • Metals
  • Radioisotopes
  • Soil Pollutants, Radioactive
  • Uranium
  • Thorium
  • Radium