Radioactivity measurements on migrating birds (Turdus philomelos) captured in the Comunidad Valenciana (Spain)

Sci Total Environ. 1998 Jan 19;209(2-3):143-7.

Abstract

The radionuclides 137Cs, 134Cs and 90Sr have been measured in edible tissues and bones of migratory birds (song-thrushes, Turdus philomelos) from central and northern Europe and captured in the Comunidad Valenciana, Spain in the 1994 autumn-winter season. Eight years after the Chernobyl accident, extensive agricultural lands in Europe are still contaminated and this study shows that there was a transfer of radioactive isotopes to the captured migratory song-thrushes. The whole-body dose commitment to humans consuming these birds is estimated.

MeSH terms

  • Agriculture
  • Animals
  • Birds*
  • Cesium Radioisotopes / analysis*
  • Environmental Exposure
  • Food Contamination
  • Humans
  • Power Plants
  • Radioactive Fallout*
  • Radioactive Hazard Release
  • Spain
  • Strontium Radioisotopes / analysis*
  • Ukraine

Substances

  • Cesium Radioisotopes
  • Radioactive Fallout
  • Strontium Radioisotopes