Uptake and depuration of 131I by the macroalgae Catenella nipae - potential use as an environmental monitor for radiopharmaceutical waste.

Abstract A study was initiated to establish the suitability of the macroalgae, Catenella nipae as an environmental surveillance monitor for radiopharmaceutical waste discharges to aquatic environments. A series of experiments were conducted to establish the radioactive iodine ( 131 I) concentration factor, and uptake and depuration characteristics of C. nipae . The steady state concentration factor was estimated to be 630 ± 80 mL g −1 , with an uptake half-time of 160 ± 20 min. Elimination of 131 I was found to follow a two phase model, the first having a rapid elimination rate with a half-time of 131 I in environmental waters from C. nipae sampling devices in the Brisbane River estuary, Australia. The results suggest that C. nipae may be used as an environmental radioactive waste sentinel.