We examined the tolerance of the monogonont rotifer Brachionus koreanus in response to gamma radiation. In order to determine the median lethal dose (LD50) of rotifers against gamma radiation, we irradiated B. koreanus with gamma rays from 0 to 7000 grays (Gy). The LD50s were 2900 and 2300 Gy at 24 h (LD50-24 h) and 96 h (LD50-96 h) after irradiation, respectively. In addition, the no observed effect levels (NOEL) were 1500 and 1000 Gy at 24 and 96 h, respectively. This is the first determination of lethal doses of gamma radiation for B. koreanus, which could be useful in ecological assessment of gamma radiation toward aquatic life and could be useful for understanding toxic mechanisms over sublethal doses.
Keywords: Brachionus koreanus; Gamma radiation; Half lethal dose; Rotifer.