The Biomonitoring of Trace Metals and Radionuclides

Abstract

Natural waters contain a complex mixture of stable isotopes of trace metals and radionuclides. As noted in Chapter 2, the stable trace elements are derived from both geological weathering processes and anthropogenic sources, and in most cases, the latter predominate. The radioisotopes present in fresh and salt waters also fall into naturally-occurring and anthropogenically-derived categories (Table 14). Nuclides of anthropogenic origin in the aquatic environment are predominantly from the fallout from nuclear weapons testing (most of which ceased in 1963 following test ban treaties), nuclear fuel reprocessing plants, and the disposal of radioactive waste at sea (Woodhead, 1984; Clark, 1989).