Radioactive iodine was found in samples collected from beds of kelp in locations along the coast from Laguna Beach to as far north as Santa Cruz about a month after the explosion, according to the study by two marine biologists at Cal State Long Beach. The levels, while most likely not harmful to humans, were significantly higher than measurements prior to the explosion and comparable to those found in British Columbia, Canada, and northern Washington state following the Chernobyl disaster in 1986, according to the study published in March in the journal Environmental Science & Technology. Giant kelp, or Macrocystis pyrifera, is a particularly good measure of radioactive material in the environment because it accumulates iodine, researchers said. They wrote that radioactive particles released into the atmosphere, in particular radioactive isotope iodine 131, made its way across the Pacific, then was likely deposited into the ocean during a period of significant rain shortly after the meltdown in Japan. The highest levels were found in Corona del Mar. Researchers wrote that the levels were probably highest there because the kelp is also exposed to urban runoff, which may have increased the amount of rainfall it received. The study’s authors said that while the effect of radioactive material in kelp is not well known, it would have been consumed by organisms that feed on the kelp such as sea urchins or crustaceans. Certain species of fish, including opaleye, halfmoon or senorita may be particularly affected because their endocrine systems contain iodine, according to researchers.Come to California, where we glow even without the sun!
Showing posts with label Radioactivity. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Radioactivity. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Help! Radioactive kelp!
The fallout from Fukushima is showing up along the Californian Pacific coast in giant kelp.
Labels:
California,
Contamination,
Disaster,
Fukushima,
Nuclear Accident,
Oceans,
Radiation,
Radioactivity,
Sea Creatures
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
The good, the bad and the daft
Gabby Giffords. Grow strong and come back. We need you.
The downward spiral of the European Union.
Chemists find new material to remove radioactive gas from spent nuclear fuel
Isn't it interesting that when scientists create something for military use, it is often turned against our own citizens? 6 Creepy New Weapons the Police and Military Use To Subdue Unarmed People
Is India investing in a future health crisis by importing asbestos from Canada?
The liberal media.
Gingrich wants the audience to be able to applaud. Because everything is about him, isn't it?
The downward spiral of the European Union.
Chemists find new material to remove radioactive gas from spent nuclear fuel
Isn't it interesting that when scientists create something for military use, it is often turned against our own citizens? 6 Creepy New Weapons the Police and Military Use To Subdue Unarmed People
Is India investing in a future health crisis by importing asbestos from Canada?
The liberal media.
Gingrich wants the audience to be able to applaud. Because everything is about him, isn't it?
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Radioactive fish
Scientists warn that tuna caught off the Pacific coastal prefecture in northern Japan are now at risk of being radioactive [EPA].We're gonna need geiger counters at the grocery store.
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