Age-dependent accumulation of 137Cs by pike Esox lucius in the Yenisei River

Abstract

Age-dependent accumulation of ¹³⁷Cs in the muscles and bodies of the pike Esox lucius (aged two to seven years) inhabiting a section of the Yenisei River polluted with artificial radionuclides has been studied. The content of ¹³⁷Cs in muscles varied from 0.5 to 7.0 Bq/kg of fresh weight. The maximum content of the radionuclide has been found in juveniles. The content of ¹³⁷Cs in pike muscles and body decreased considerably with age. The high content of ¹³⁷Cs in the muscles of juveniles is probably a consequence of their higher intensity of feeding as compared to older individuals, which is due to the intense growth of juveniles.